Jeff C. Clements

Jeff C. Clements of Cleves, OH passed away on November 28, 2022. He is survived by his brother Shawn Clements of San Francisco, CA. A simple and uncomplicated soul, he was the definition of a true friend and is sorely missed by more than he ever would have imagined.

Born on January 2, 1954, to Jack and Bette Clements of Alyseboro Avenue in East Hyde Park, Jeff attended Kilgour Elementary School and Withrow Highschool. His father, Jack Clements, was a comedian and later a radio personality for WNOP in Cincinnati. His Uncle, Vic Adkins, was a Big Band leader and from the two Jeff inherited his sense of humor, love of music and penchant for being the subtle performer. A fantastic storyteller, Jeff could spin a yarn that would captivate his audience and leave them convinced it was all true. Entertainment was in his blood. He was a fan of not only the old classic films, but also the Cincinnati Reds, football, the Indy 500 and NASCAR racing.

Jeff loved the outdoors and everything nature. He loved a good road trip adventure – from hitchhiking or train hopping across the country in his youth, to official car camping trips out West in his “grown up” days. Montana, Yellowstone, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, among his favorites. He loved to hike. He loved his dogs. He loved his cat. He loved watching the birds at his feeder. He was the Master Shed Hunter (That’s looking for deer antlers in the spring, for the uninitiated). At heart, Jeff related the most to a Native American heritage and absorbed it into his own. An extremely talented photographer, Jeff’s best photos are of things in the natural world. His talent for composition and his knack for getting that hard-to-find shot were amazing.

Most adults would say Jeff had a misspent youth, but Jeff was the captain of his own adventure and those were some of the most adventuresome days in his life. After a variety of jobs, from working as a stock boy at Swallens, to delivering records and even driving a truck across the country, he finally found his niche in his beloved outdoors working for Great Parks of Hamilton County. Jeff is probably best known for his 30 year career as the caretaker of Mitchell Memorial Forest. If ever it could be said that an employee had pride of ownership in his job, this was Jeff for “his” park. On many a day off, Jeff could be found “taking a spin through the park” to make sure everything was in order, and all was well. Jeff knew his regular Park Patrons by name and knew them well. In 2017, Jeff was recognized for his dedication and became one of a select few Great Parks Trillium Award recipients.

A kind soul with a big heart. He is dearly missed.

A memorial gathering for Jeff will take place Saturday, January 7th, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the Stone Shelter at Mitchell Memorial Forest. 5401 Zion Road, Cleves, OH 45002. Reception to follow.

Memorial donations can be made in Jeff’s name to your local no-kill animal shelter.