John Henry Claggett Jr.

John Henry Claggett, Jr. transitioned peacefully on Saturday November 5, 2022, after a lengthy battle with Amyloidosis, surrounded by his beloved family. John was born February 4, 1944, in Washington, DC to the late John Henry Claggett, Sr. and Alice Edmonds Claggett. John was the third child of a devoted and affectionate family of five siblings.

John, affectionately known as Honey, Dad, Poppies, Grandad and Claggett by his beloved family attended DC public schools and graduated from Spingarn Senior High School, class of 1961. After high school, he married Carol Green and from that union, they had two daughters.

On December 13, 1997, John married Adrienne Porter and from that union, he welcomed a bonus son and daughter.

John accepted Christ at an early age and attended several Catholic churches. He served as a member of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and was a coach of several sports at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Washington, DC. He also coached various sports throughout Prince George’s County.

Throughout his career he worked at Republican National Committee (RNC), Aurora Color, American Chemical Society, and the American Red Cross where his career advanced with each position.

John was an exemplary member of the In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association. During the 70’s, he freely printed the influential newsletter for the Agriculture Task Force Against Racial Discrimination (ATFARD), under the strategic leadership of the Urban League. During these times, communication to empower African Americans was taboo. This was quite risky, but beneficial in the movement to gain equality in the workplace.

He was also a member of the Spingarn Alumni Association, the American Red Cross (ARC) Chorus and the ARC Diversity Committee.

Upon retiring from the American Red Cross in 2011 from his position as the Manager of Real Estate his entrepreneur spirit kicked in and he started Legacy Towing with his bonus son. He was extremely excited upon learning how to operate a tow truck. Claggett also became an Uber contractor which was a perfect fit for his love of driving as he knew the roads of DC/MD like he was a human GPS in his previous life.

John was very active in several Christian ministries. He served as a Deacon at Rhema Christian Center where he was a member of the Finance Committee, Children’s Church and Youth Prison Ministry. John was an Elder at the Church of the Lord’s Disciples where he served on the welcoming committee and was also a Small Group Leader. He also performed baptisms, baby dedications, weddings, and funerals. John’s passion was mentoring men and pre-marital counseling for couples whom he would later marry. Before his declining health, he held the position of Elder at the Hope Christian Church, where he was a vital part of the Men’s ministry. He also served on the Points of Breakthrough Counseling ministry.

John was the CEO of Musical Concepts, a DJ service where he loved “providing music that moves the heart and touches the soul” at weddings, birthday celebrations, church events and family reunions. John loved playing golf and tennis. He also enjoyed movies, travel, and camping; but most of all he was a lover of sports. John loved food and would travel the distance to explore his palette. However, he always said … “No one can compare to my Honey’s cooking”.

For the last 2 ½ years, John was the Chairman of the UDC Respiratory Therapy Advisory Board and played an essential role during the site visit for continuing the accreditation for the program.

John was preceded in death by his parents and one brother George Oliver Claggett.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted and loving wife Adrienne of 25 years. Three daughters; Dawn Walters (Denley), Tanya Claggett, Norma Porter and his only son Ivory Barber. Nine grandchildren; Terrell (Gita), Danielle, Malik, Miguel, Peggy, Jarreau, James, Jacob, and Riley, three great-grandchildren; Zhaila, Sariah and Justice; his loving sisters Cynthia Claggett-Manson and Thomasine Claggett-Brown, his devoted brother Thomas Claggett and Aunt Viola Gray. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends.

Claggett will be missed by many, but mostly by his spiritual brother Earl Conley and two spiritual sons, Michael Butts and Darryl Martin.

Claggett touched many lives and leaves a legacy of love and fond memories.