Joel "JC" Clayton, 59, of Oswego, IL, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024, surrounded

by family after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born on May 12, 1965, in Presque Isle, Maine,to Jon Clayton, Sr. and Sharon Kirkbride. JC grew up happily with his five siblings on a big farmin New Brunswick, Canada. He joined the Marine Corp and served for eight years. He was a

very proud Marine; Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful, was the mantra he lived by. He worked

diligently for almost thirty years for ATT as a Lineman and a Manager. He played soccer for over

thirty years with many of the same guys. His love of sports led him to coach his girls in soccer.

He was also a cheer dad and knew all of the lingo. He sat through every soccer game, dance

recital, cheer competition, and band concert. His three little birds and his grandbabies were his

world, and he didn't miss a minute with them. He lived every day to the fullest. As he called it,

he was "Living the dream." Lisa reminded him often that he was because he was married to her.

JC was more than just a husband, father, brother, and coach—he was a pillar of strength and

generosity in the lives of everyone who knew him. He selflessly gave to others, whether it was

offering a helping hand, sharing wisdom, or literally giving the clothes off his back. JC was loved

by many, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, and love that will continue to inspire all

who had the privilege of knowing him.

Liverpool was his favorite soccer team. "You'll Never Walk Alone," is their team motto, and it is

what we lived by the last few weeks of his life. He never walked alone; someone was always by

his side. He is in heaven playing soccer in his field of dreams.

JC is survived by his loving soulmate and wife of 34 years, Lisa Clayton; his three little birds,

Jessica (Clayton) Dzierzanowski and her husband Scott Dzierzanowski; Ashley Sarah

Clayton-Hrobowski and her husband Armani Hrobowski; Julia (Clayton) Krueger and her

husband Alex Krueger; his sweet grandbabies, Lily and James; his thirteen-year-old, badass

dog, Bear; and his granddogs, Chance and Scout.

And by his stepfather, Donald Kirkbride, Sr.; his sister, Bonnie Webb; sister, Michelle McAdam

and husband Joe; sister Kathy Kirkbride; and his brother, Donnie and Shallie Estabrook.

And by his stepmother, Rhona Clayton; sister, Gretchen Fournier; brother, Tony Clayton;

and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Sharon Kirkbride, father Jon Clayton Sr. and older

brother Jon Clayton Jr.

A memorial service will be held at Dunn Family Funeral Home & Crematory on September 11,

2024 from 3pm-7pm.

A celebration of life to follow at his favorite happy hour location, Riverside

Pizza, 1100 Douglas Rd., Oswego.