CWO4 Clarence “John” Wirth, Jr. Ret USMC, 69 of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Thursday morning, July 26, 2012 at Community Hospice’s Dr. Gaston J. Acosta-Rua Center for Caring after a 14-month battle with renal cell cancer. Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at Russell Haven of Rest Chapel located at 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043. Military Honors will be presented by the United States Marine Corps.

John is preceded in death by his father, Rusty Giesen; sister, Lucretia Jernigan; and stepson, Gene Woolridge. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Gisela Wirth; daughter, Sandra “Punkin” Wirth Lucero (Larry) and her siblings, Karin “Sissy” Butterworth (Rick) and Robert “Bobby” Woolridge; 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; mother, Jennie Giesen; sister, Cheryl Standley (Bill); brother Dr. Jimmy Giesen (Marianne), and 12 nieces and nephews.

John, also known as Clarey, was born on May 22, 1943 in Frenso, California. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John enjoyed hunting and fishing. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1962. As a young Marine, he enjoyed archery, cycling, running and bowling. John served his country faithfully and dutifully for 30 years at stations all over the world, including two tours in Vietnam, as an embarkation officer and sharp shooter. John received numerous medals and awards for his military service.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, John worked for Skinner’s Nursery and Liberty National Insurance. During his retirement, John further pursued his passion for golf and played every week until he was physically unable – even then he rode on the golf cart when he could, just to watch others. John had such a love for the game that he was out on the greens even after undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment, as well as multiple surgeries. John also loved Sudoku puzzles which kept his sharp mind challenged.

John was an active member of the Retired Marine Corps League of Clay County and looked forward to participating in the group’s annual Toys for Tots fundraising project every Christmas season. The tough Marine was filled with emotion when he relayed stories of the families he was able to help each year, and thanks to his years of service as an embarkation officer in the Marines, he was the only one of the group who could figure out how to get all the toys to fit in the storage unit.

John faithfully served his country and family. He was quick with a joke or story from his younger years. He was a loving father, caring husband and great friend. John had compassion for all tucked deep in his heart. He was a warrior throughout his life, so the end of his life was no different. John is our hero, whose presence will be missed but whose memory will live on forever in our hearts.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Toys for Tots in John’s honor. Please make checks payable to the “Marine Corps League of Clay County,” and add to the memo line “Toys for Tots in honor of John Wirth.” Checks may be mailed to P.O. Box 2533, Middleburg, Florida 32050-2533.

 

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRCemeteryandFuneralHome.com

904-284-7720