Jack Clinton Wilson

Born in Scottsbluff, NE, Jack attended high school in Minatare, NE and Cheyenne, WY. A World War II veteran, he served proudly in the Pacific on a United States Navy submarine chaser. He moved to St. Petersburg, FL in 1956 and worked for a company making components for use in the burgeoning space-age electronics industry. An avid angler, Jack found Florida’s salt-water fishing to be paradise for a young man from the Midwest’s high plains. He spent many leisure hours fishing from bridges, piers, docks, banks and boats, and for a while he had a bait shop in St. Petersburg. He enjoyed playing the organ, and loved lively get-togethers with family and friends, particularly New Year’s Day parties. A free spirit in his younger days, Jack moved gracefully into his older years; family, friends, and acquaintances often remarked upon his sweet nature and gentle disposition.

Jack is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 45 years; a daughter, Merry Ruthe Wilson and her husband, Tony Napodano , both of Largo, FL; a sister, Beth Christopulos, of Charlottesville, VA.; a brother, Jon Wilson, and sister-in-law Becky Wilson, both of St. Petersburg, FL; a step-son, Richard K. Cramer and a step-daughter, Mary Jo Arendt; a grandson, Luke Napodano; step-granddaughters, Lindsay Marie Pastore, Courtney Leigh Folsom,and Mikayela Nicole Arendt; step-grandsons, Michael Garner and wife, Melanie, Jeremy Garner and wife, Jennifer; and great-grandchildren, Kyle Garner, Noah Garner, Xander Garner, Hailey Marie Folsom and Hayden Joseph Pastore.

Jack was predeceased by a son, Daniel Jon Wilson.

Visitation held from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2012 at the funeral home until service time at 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: the Suncoast Hospice of Pinellas County or the Clearwater Marine Science Center.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st St. Seminole, FL. 33776 /

727-391-0121.