John Hugh 'Jake' Potts passed away after a long illness on July 16th with family by his side. He was born to Grayce E. (Mackie) and David B. Potts on November 11, 1943 in Clearfield.
John graduated from Clearfield High School in 1961 when he enlisted in the United States Navy until 1964. After his military service, he worked at the Shawville Power Plant starting as a janitor who changed light bulbs to becoming an Electrical Supervisor, exemplifying his strong work ethic that his family has long admired.
John seemed most at home in the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, observing wildlife, going for nature rides, spending time and tending to his camp. For years, he volunteered for the Senior Environment Corps as he cared about water quality and conservation. In fact, he received the Watershed Stewardship Award from the Clearfield County Conservation District in 2018.
John is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Nancy Susan (Carns) Potts, his sons David (Lisa) Potts of Hyannis Port, Ma., and Daniel (Stephanie) Potts of Hope Valley, RI, his daughters Susan (Jon) Mikesell and Rebecca (Andy) Brickley of Clearfield. He was the grandfather to Jacob and Benjamin Potts, Julia Potts, Claire, Paige, and Luke Mikesell, and Hugh and Will Brickley.
He is also survived by siblings Elizabeth Lezzer of Curwensville, William Potts of New York, Martha (Jack) Eshelman of West Virginia, and Timothy (Karen) Potts of Clearfield.
He was predeceased by his sister Julia Potts of Clearfield and his beautiful granddaughter Madeline Potts of Rhode Island.
John was a man of few words but showed his love of family on the many Potts Family vacations. He enjoyed listening to stories around the campfire and laughing at the antics of his grandchildren.
Friends will be received for John at the Beardsley Funeral Home and Crematory, Clearfield on Friday, July 19th from 4-7 PM and July 20th from 9-10 AM.
Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, July 20th at 10 AM with Pastor Todd Hogue officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Clearfield.
Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the members of the Clearfield Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name may be made to the Maddie Potts Foundation, PO Box 539, Hope Valley, RI 02832.
To sign the online guestbook, visit www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com