John Paul Clarke

John Paul Clarke of Chapel Hill, NC passed away at UNC Hospitals after battling a long illness on June 8, 2026 at the age of 75. He was born November 5, 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jeanne Reinhardt Mathews, step-father, Jack O. Mathews, and his father, Paul Clarke.

John graduated from Cincinnati Country Day School in 1968 and attended Williams College, graduating in 1972. He graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1976 and completed a residency and fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery at The University of Rochester in 1982. He then practiced Orthopaedic Surgery at Lewis Gale Hospital and Clinic in Salem, Virginia. In 1990, John bravely decided to leave surgery and pursue Radiology. He completed a second residency and fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and practiced Musculoskeletal Radiology until he retired in 2020. He loved the practice of medicine and was devoted to his patients and colleagues.

While he was a surgical intern at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, John met the love of his life, M. Kim Loewenguth. They married in 1978 and together shared 48 years of love and family. Their daughter, Mary Allison, was born in 1986.

Outside of medicine, he enjoyed many hobbies, including woodworking, Ham radio operation, guitar playing, target shooting, and anything Apple computer related. He was an avid Tar Heels fan. He spent many treasured times with family and friends on Bald Head Island, NC. John loved his dogs, especially his beloved Basset Hound, Mary Beatrice! But he shared his love with all his golden retriever girls over the years. He was know for snacking, especially on peanut M & Ms and Reese cups!

But most of all, John was a devoted Papa to his grandchildren, delighting in watching them grow and hearing about their accomplishments and milestones.

He will be deeply missed for his kindness, sharp mind, love of dancing (when younger), and, most importantly, his Dad or Papa jokes!

He is survived by his wife, Kim, daughter, Mary Allison Clarke, grandchildren, Gabriel and Grace, brother, Robert Clarke (Nola), sisters Maureen Clarke, Kathleen Clarke Pica (Paul), much loved nieces, Katherine Clarke Myers (Scott), Stacey Hendricks (Brian), Maggie Bloomer (Ryan), great nieces and nephews, and his golden retriever Maggie Mae.

A memorial service will be held on June 19, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Walker’s Funeral Home, 11680 US 15-501 S, Chapel Hill, NC. After the service, the family invites you to join them in a Celebration of Life at 5:00 pm at John’s favorite restaurant, Tarantini Italian Restaurant, 50160 Governors Dr, Chapel Hill, NC. The family asks that you join them in celebrating John by wearing bright colors or the Hawaiian shirts he loved! 

In lieu of flowers, donation in John’s memory can be made to Horse & Buddy, Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, or Bald Head Island Conservancy.