Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
May 18, 1943 – Jan 2, 2020 (Age 76)
CLOTHIER, John - Of Flint, age 76, died Thursday, January 2, 2020 at Hurley Medical Center.
A memorial service will be held 11am Thursday, January 9, 2020 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint.
Contributions may be made to Flint Classroom Support Fund or Flint Olympian Canusa Games.
Visitation 3-8pm Wednesday and 10am Thursday until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Cremation has taken place.
John was born in Clifford, Michigan on May 18, 1943, the son of the late Jack and Agnes (Neilson) Clothier. On June 6, 1964, he married Bernadean Lewiski in North Branch, Michigan.
John graduated from North Branch High School in 1961. He was captain of the Football and Basketball teams. He had ten varsity letters when he graduated and was Athlete of the Year in 1961.
After graduating from Mott College he followed his sister Gaye in the five year Co-Op Program through the University of Michigan, Flint. He began his teaching career in the Fall of 1964.
John became involved with the community education program and became a Community School Director in 1967. He spent most of his career as a Community School Director but retired as high school principal after 42 years of service to the Flint Community Schools.
He was a founding member of The Greater Flint Olympian-CANUSA Association. He was active in the University of Michigan Club of Greater Flint. John served as Treasurer of Sovita Credit Union.
He loved sports, his family, and Key West. John felt like he was the luckiest guy in the world. His wife was his best friend and he thought he had the best three kids in the world. He also thought one of the greatest gifts in life is grandchildren.
Surviving are wife, Bernadean;
Children, Jonnel (Joseph Hewitt) Clothier, Jay (Marci Sargent) Clothier, Jeffrey (Brooke) Clothier and Denise Clothier Dortch (Lou Dortch);
Grandchildren, Kennedy, Sophia, Abbey, Jackson, Emma, Satchel, and Kristyn;
Brother, James Clothier;
Sisters, Gaye Butterfield, Jeanne Jerore and Cheri Lynch.
He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Tom Butterfield.
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I am saddened to hear of John's passing. He was an important mentor in my early life in Flint. I saw him last at my father's funeral where he stopped me to pass along inspiring words of encouragement at a difficult time. Please accept my condolences.
Scott Hurley
April 09, 2020 | Topsfield, MA
Jeff, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I met him years ago when Aaron played CANUSA Ball, May your Father Rest in Peace
Jim Szabo
January 13, 2020 | FLINT, MI | Friend
I only knew John this past year from the U of M recreation center. Super nice guy. Very friendly and welcoming. Different not seeing him there in the mornings walking in the pool. Looks like he led a full life and will leave a great legacy. I'm sure he touched many lives.
Theresa Zimmerman
January 13, 2020 | Fenton, MI | Friend
To my 6th grade teacher at Homedale Elementary School: I knew him all my life-I saw him everywhere growing up-school, blooperball one summer, Luigis. Hed try to get me to call him John when I was older, but he was always Mr. Clothier to me.
For our 6th grade graduation, he took us all to Frankenmuth for dinner, on a big chartered bus. Ill never forget that! This was around 1965.
In class, he would sit at his desk and just shoot the breeze with us, with that big smile. We loved...
Rudy Rodriguez
January 11, 2020 | Grand Blanc, MI | Student
John was a dear friend of our late father Ken Wilson for many, many years. An energetic Hey Willie would announce him (and often Bernadean) coming into the house, instantly raising the humor and happiness in the room. We have endless memories of John and Dad talking UofM football, the city schools, the CANUSA games, you name it stopping only to insist that one of us "kids" go pick up Luigis take-out. In more serene moments, they would also talk at great length about their adult children,...
The Family of Ken Wilson
January 10, 2020 | Friend
John was such a nice man...always made you feel comfortable and interested in what you were saying. It was obvious to everyone how much he loved Bernadean and how proud he was of her and their children...you could just see it on his face. Heaven sure got a great one! Prayers and much love to Bernadean and his family.
Barbara Gratsch
January 10, 2020 | Davison, MI | Friend
To say you had an impact on my high school experience would be an understatement. Prayers for your family.
Robyn Moore
January 10, 2020 | Mount Morris, MI | Student
Sorry Lee & I couldnt be there today!
Sad day for all of you Clothiers & family & friends!
John was a great guy!
Our sympathy goes out to you Bernadean & Family!
So happy that we seen John & Bernadean at
Car cruise a few yrs ago!
Back to Bricks!!
Lee & SueAnn Chapel
January 09, 2020 | Silverwood, MI | Friend
Dear Clothier Family,
My heart has been heavy with the passing of Uncle John, however it has also given me time to reflect on "a life well lived". I will miss Uncle John and those big bear hugs!!!! Thinking of you all.
Love, Sandy Cripps
Sandra Cripps
January 09, 2020 | Acworth, GA
