FLAGLER/PALM COAST NEWS-TRIBUNE
Palm Coast, Florida
September 27, 2005

COMMUNITY LEADER 'JACK' CLEGG DIES
By Kenya Woodard
Staff Writer

BUNNELL -- John A. "Jack" Clegg, whose life in Flagler County included stints as schools superintendent, bank president and newspaper owner, died Sunday at home. He was 86.

Friends recalled Clegg as a well-respected community leader who was passionate about preserving the area's history.

Flagler County Administrator David Haas called his friend of 25 years "one of the most amazing people I've ever met." The two men met twice a month for lunch, Haas said. "Every part of Flagler County he touched in one way or another."

Hass said Clegg's book, "The History of Flagler County," is considered the best source on Flagler County history.

A charter member and past president of the Flagler County Historical Society, Clegg held a deep affection for the community, said Diane Marquis, the society's president. "He gave 100 percent of his time and effort to all of the organizations he belonged to," she said.

Jaii Hein, who got his start in the commercial printing business working for Clegg at the former Flagler Tribune, called Clegg a "country gentleman" who was "always willing to help out people."

Born in Seville in West Volusia, Clegg served in World War II, then returned to Flagler County and began a long history of public service.

He was schools superintendent from 1946 to1952 and a county commissioner from 1948 to 1958 and 1986 to1990. He was also mayor and city commissioner of Bunnell.

He held leadership positions in the county's Chamber of Commerce, Flagler United Way, Flagler County Music Society, Flagler Auditorium, and Bunnell Lions Club.

He owned more than 13 businesses and was president of Citizens Bank in Bunnell.

He bought the Flagler Tribune in 1967, then sold it to the Florida Times Union in the 1970s. In 1981, The Daytona Beach

Survivors include a daughter, Karen (Peter) Schimpf, Orlando; a sister, Ruth Townsend, Bunnell; two brothers, George and Frank Clegg, both of Haw Creek.

A memorial service is scheduled Saturday at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Bunnell, 301 E. Moody Blvd.