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Jay Clarkson Obituary

CLARKSON Jay Paul Clarkson, 41, died Monday in North Carolina. Mr. Clarkson was a 1980 graduate of Terry Parker High School & a 15 year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, and was a member of the F.O.P., Celebration Baptist Church and SAE at USF. He is survived by his wife, Renee, 2 sons, Justin and Jason and a daughter Ashleigh Thornburg; his parents, William and Nancy Clarkson; four brothers, Bill, Frank, John and Jeff and one sister, Deborah Pate. The family will receive friends, Friday evening from 5-8 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Celebration Baptist Church on McCormick Rd. with the Rev. Lee Sheppard officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Jay Clarkson Children's Educational Fund, 600 St. Johns Bluff N, Jax. 32225. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at: www.hardage-giddens.co m Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Florida Times-Union from Feb. 12 to Feb. 13, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Clarkson

Not sure what to say?





Ashley Pate Simmons Jr.

July 2, 2025

I loved my Uncle So much and he was an AMAZING DAD AND POLICE OFFICER. I MISS HIM EVERYDAY!

Mark Andrews

February 24, 2004

To Renee,



I don't know what to say. This is one of those times in your life when words don't do much. I want you to know that I'm here for you and the kids. Jay loved you guys so much. This I know.



To the Clarkson Family,



I want you to thank you for giving me Jay. He is special to me. My friend for 28 years. My best friend. It took us a long time to get where we are. Not many people get a shot at having a friendship like I have with Jay. I'm going to miss his warm, kind, gentle way. In my times of trouble Jay always had the right answers. I don't know what I'll do without his reassurance, his confidence and his wise words of advice. Jay had no enemies, just a long list of fiends, all of whom I'm sure consider themselves fortunate. The world has lost an officer and a gentleman. I'm still counting on Jay for the right answers. During a trying time in my life I was handed a piece of paper with this written on it....Timothy 2 4:7...I fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.

Godspeed.



To You Jay,



I love you. I miss you. I'll never forget you. Peace....

Ashley Pate

February 22, 2004

Aunt Renee, Jason, Justin, Ashleigh - I love you all very much and will be here if you need anything. My Uncle Jay was very loved and I miss him everyday.

don and carol ladson

February 17, 2004

Clarkson Family,

Jay will be very missed by us. He was a wonderful brother-in-law and friend to us.

Jay always displayed a very giving quality to each person his life touched. Everyone who knows your family realizes this is a trait that runs throughout you entire family.

Many have enjoyed the hospitalities offered by the Clarkson family and will cherish the memories that you have helped create.

Our prayers are with you and know that you are much loved and Jaybird will be sorely missed.

Rick Sawyer

February 17, 2004

W.E.,Nancy,John and the Clarkson Family. I have now sat in front of this computer for a long time to try to put into words my feelings. I have found there are just no words to express the pain. It was just a few weeks ago that I ran into Jay at the City fuel station and was asking how the family was and with that big old grin of his sitting in his police car he said everybody was doing great. I know that many people have worked for the Florida Bonded family over the years and I still feel it was the greatest learning experience of my life.

chris cross

February 16, 2004

Jay was my cousin and a great one at that! He will be missed and loved by all that knew him and who's lives he touched. May he rest in peace

Ron Wheat and Family

February 15, 2004

Renee and children and to the Clarkson family, I wish to convey my deepest sympathies for the loss of a husband, son and great person. I have had the privilege of knowing Jay for about 28 years and I will miss him dearly. I will always remember him for the laughs that we had and for the friendship we shared. Jay you will be missed by many, We all love you.

VyStar, Merrill Road

February 14, 2004

Renee, Justin, Jason and to the rest of the Clarkson family, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you in this time of sorrow. We as a team, had the opportunity to work with a humble, respectable man at VyStar Credit Union. Jay will sadly be missed, he is still guiding and protecting us from a much greater place. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

SANDRA SAGE ROBERTSON

February 14, 2004

Renee, Asheligh,Justin and Jason, I wish I had a magic wand that I could just wave in your direction and make everything "all better". I wish I had a sprinkle of stardust that would erase every problem that's come your way. If only I could get my hands on a magic lamp and rub it until a genie apppeared, I would ask for an end to all your sorrow and the beginning of great happiness for you.I don't really have any magic, but if deep feelings and warm thoughts can help, there's definitely some wonder-working things headed your way.

May God comfort and guide you all through this difficlut time of loseing 2 loved ones so close together.

Don & Joy Weeks

February 14, 2004

We can only wish a spoken or written word could magically heal and eliminate the terrible sense of loss you are now experiencing. We believe Jay is at peace now and we pray that all those touched by Jay's life will find comfort in that over time.

Kimball keller

February 14, 2004

Dear Renee, Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson, and Family.. My deepest sympathies and prayers for your loss. Jay was a close friend of mine whom I shall never forget. He touched so many people in his life and was loved by all. Gods' speed in your time of need.



Kimball

Jim Weite

February 13, 2004

My deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sylvia Peterson

February 13, 2004

I pray that God grants you strength and peace in this trying time. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and know that your family is in my prayers.

Gary&Beverly Hetzel

February 13, 2004

Our thoughts are with your family today and our prayers are for comfort in your time of grief.

John Rossi

February 13, 2004

Renee, Our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Susan,and I got to meet Jay in December when you were visiting with us and as law enforcement officers we had quite a bit in common.Please stay in touch. John/Sue

Debbie Bardole

February 13, 2004

Jeff and The Clarkson Family:



Your brother, Jay, came to my rescue shortly after I moved out on my own for the first time. His act of kindness as a concerned friend and his professionalism as a police officer have never been forgotten and that was 15 years ago. The Jacksonville community has lost a fine and outstanding police officer. You and your family are in my heart and prayers! May God Bless You!

Burt Pierce 3rd

February 13, 2004

To all the Clarkson Family my deepest condolences. Jeff, you and the family will be in our prayers during these challenging times.

Jay will always be on my mind as I reflect growing-up as child in Arlington. I will remember him as a man the times that occasionally our paths would cross. Knowing him as a man or child meant always a smile and a true feeling that he was sincerely glad to see you.

I know there will be some trying times ahead but we can all rejoice in knowing that Jay is in Heaven. He will be missed by all that he touched.

Scott & Sharon Wagner

February 13, 2004

To the Clarkson Family -

We had the pleasure of meeting Jay at Celebration Baptist Church in small group. We were so shocked to hear about him and are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and if you need anything, we are here for you. Love in Christ,

ELAINE SMITH

February 13, 2004

Dear Renee, Connie R., Drew & family,

So sorry to hear about Jay. May God comfort and guide you through

this loss. Love & prayers, Elaine, Billy Smith

Eleanor & Dave Wheat Sr.

February 13, 2004

Our deepest sympathies to the Clarkson family

Diana (Patton) Hulsizer

February 13, 2004

To the Clarkson's family, I was very sad to hear of Jay's passing. I graduated with Jay from Terry Parker and went to USF with Jay in Tampa. He was a wonderful person and one of the kindess persons I have ever known. My thoughts are with you all as you remember the wonderful times each of you shared with Jay. My heart goes out to his wife Renee and his children. May time and prayers heal your broken hearts. Love, Diana (Patton)Hulsizer

Debbie (Cook) McLeod

February 13, 2004

I would like to extend my sympathy to the entire family. You are in my prayers. I had the pleasure of knowing Jay in school and again later in life when I worked at VyStar. Jay will be greatly missed. He will continue to protect his family from a better place.

Pam Keck

February 13, 2004

Dear Jeff and Family,



We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother Jay. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Your neighbors, Glenn, Pam, Gary and Ashley

Bill & Claudia Cuartero

February 13, 2004

Bill & Nancy,

During this difficult time our thoughts and prayers are with both of you. As a JSO Reserve Officer, I worked with Jay from time to time when he was in the Patrol Division. He was an asset to the department and this community and he will be missed. May God bless his wife Renee and children and give them comfort.

Skip Skipper

February 12, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Clarkson family. God bless and keep you. Love, Skip & Jeanne Skipper & family

Bill Kolar

February 12, 2004

Dear Jeff, John, Debra and Family:



So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother Jay. You are all in our prayers. Bill Kolar & Bonnie Hayflick

William (Alan) White

February 12, 2004

Renee,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We knew Jay as a thoughtful and kind person and always a wonderful neighbor.

Ann Simms

February 12, 2004

Renee and Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Be strong and God bless.

Maxine Puleo (Sharon Wagner's mom)

February 12, 2004

My prayers go out to the Clarkson family. Jay will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May you all find stregnth in the Lord to help you through this trying time.

Jennifer Michutka

February 12, 2004

I just wanted to send my condolences to the Clarkson Family. I really enjoyed Jay in the time that he worked with us at VyStar Credit Union. He will be greatly missed.

Jana Whitaker

February 12, 2004

Renee and the Clarkson Family~ Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Mary Beth Smits

February 12, 2004

Jay has touched many people's lives. May we all know that he is in a better place and watching over his family.

My condolences to the family and may the Lord give you strength during this time of your loss.

Julie (Brosius) Yeatman

February 12, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am deeply saddened by your loss. Jay, I will never forget you -- you will be missed more than you'll ever know. God Bless! Love you lots!

Julie

Kathy Skoblow

February 12, 2004

Renee - I am so sorry for your loss. You were there for our family during our crisis and I want you to know we will be there for you, in our prayers and in any way we can help. May you find strength at this time in God, your family and your friends. Blessings, Kathy Skoblow (Mary Beth Smit's Mom)

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