For those of you that do not know me, I am Jimmy Clouse. I am the son of Jim Clouse and the grandson of Jack Clouse. I would like to share with you how I came about to stand before you to speak about my grandfather.
Before this sentence was even written, I had stared at a blank page for over an hour. My mind was just as blank as this page, and the blinking computer cursor was willing me to type. A week and a half ago, on October 3rd, 2016, my grandfather Facetimed me from the hospital bed, with the help of my Uncle John. It would be the the last time that I would speak to my grandfather. With the oxygen tube in his nose, his big glasses covering a quarter of his face, and in a fragile state, my grandfather told me that he was dying. I responded with my typical response to this statement...“Yes, but we are all dying.” He replied back, “Yes. But I’m a little closer to death.” My grandfather asked me to write his eulogy just as I had done for my father. The only difference between this eulogy and my dad’s eulogy is that this time I was asked to write this by a dying man.
I am going to be honest. This eulogy will do absolutely no justice to accurately describe the kind of man that my grandfather was and there are no words strong enough to describe him. However, I will do my best to honor my grandfather’s dying wish.
You see, each man writes his own eulogy by living life to its fullest. My grandfather did just that. In the Good Book, Matthew 7:16 says that by their fruit you will recognize them. The fruit of my grandfather and grandmother came in the form of bringing three children into this world. From those three came six grandchildren and from those six grandchildren came ten great-grandchildren. The Clouse legacy will continue for generations to come because of my grandfather and grandmother and their parents before them and so on and so forth. My grandfather worked hard to build the Clouse family name upon a strong foundation of love, life, honor, and family.
My grandfather was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on September 17, 1930. He was 86 years old when he departed this earth to join my grandmother, dad, and aunt. My grandfather is known by many names. He is called Dad, Brother, Uncle Jack, and Jack. He is called Master Chief Clouse, and he is called Grandpa. Of course my grandfather, without a doubt, would have told you that he is also known to some by a few more colorful names as well.
When my grandfather told me that he wanted me to write his eulogy, he wanted me to tell you that he retired as a Master Chief from the United States Navy and that he loved his job. He took great pride in wearing the uniform for 37 years and took tremendous pride in his work. He took even greater pride in serving this great country. It was my dad and my grandfather’s example that led my decision to join the military. I saw the pride that my grandfather had in his eyes every time he spoke of his career in the Navy and I wanted to feel that same pride. I wanted to follow in my Grandfathers footsteps and join the Navy. In fact, I had papers drawn up by the Navy recruiter to become a rescue swimmer but before I could even sign the papers my dad stopped me and suggested that I speak to the Air Force recruiter. My dad knew that I desired to be an Air Traffic Controller and so did my grandfather. My grandfather also encouraged me to join the Air Force because, as he would tell me, Air Force first built the golf courses and homes for its service members and then say “Hey. We need more money because we forgot to build the runway.” My grandfather would also go on to tell me that Airmen were nothing but prima donna’s and that I would fit right in. My grandfathers love of ships and the sea spilled over onto me. Not only do I love airplanes but I also love the sea. My grandfather also wanted me to share with you all that he loved Scotland and that he loved Ireland. His love for both places has only fueled my passion and desire to take my own family overseas to visit the land of my grandmother and to the places that my grandfather has visited.
My grandfathers sense of humor knew no bounds. He would constantly make me laugh during our conversations and he provided me with so much wisdom. My grandfather was, without a single doubt in my mind, the most stubborn man that may have ever walked this earth and I love him for that. When I was told by my Aunt Annemarie, in late September, that hospice was being discussed, I booked a flight for that next day, without question, from DFW to Norfolk so that I could be with my grandfather and my uncle while my grandfather was at Bayside Rehabilitation Center. My Uncle John and I had to tell my grandfather that if my grandfather did go home, he would need to have professional assistance with him around the clock. In fact, my Uncle John and I had the difficult task of telling my grandfather that he was dying. With the nurse and doctor in the room with us, we had to tell my grandfather that his kidneys were failing him and that we did not know how long he had left. My grandfather looked at the medical team and told them that that was their opinion. I could not help but smile. I saw my grandfather stare down death for over two weeks and give death the middle finger. My grandfather was going out on his terms and God blessed my grandfather with a couple of extra weeks so that his family could properly say goodbye to him. My grandfather continued to fight and I was going to fight alongside with him. I remember getting emotional after we told my grandfather that he was dying and my grandfather told me to stop it. He told me that we can not change the inevitable. Even though my grandfather would not give up without a fight, he was also wise enough to know that we could not fight forever, no matter how much I wanted to.
My grandfather instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. There was not a Summer, during my youth, that I did not spend weeks at a time with my grandmother and grandfather working around their house. My cousin, Shaun, can also attest to this fact that when we were at my grandparents house, we were put to work. From yard work, to cleaning out the garage, to crawling under the house, or whatever task that my grandfather would think of, the work that we did for my grandparents instilled discipline and and a sense of responsibility in all of us. If I did not do a job right the first time, I had to go back and do it again until it was right. Before the military and Uncle Sam ever got its hands on me, my grandfather taught me what it meant to to work hard, to have integrity, and to be honest no matter what.
I have so many memories of my grandfather, just as you all do. It would take days, if not weeks, for us to share them all. From Christmas holidays, to Thanksgiving, to working around the house, to playing games, to listening to Celtic music. Stories. We all have them. I would, however, like to share a story or two, if I may. My grandfather was an excellent checkers player. He played this game a lot while in the Navy. Whenever my grandmother and grandfather came to my house, I would hound my grandfather to play a game of checkers with me. He taught me strategy, patience, how to lose gracefully, and how to congratulate your opponent when they beat you. He taught me how to work hard and to never give up. He was patient but firm. I can still remember his face the first time that I beat him in a game of checkers. He wasn’t too thrilled about it and it took a little nudge from my grandmother for him to even acknowledge that I beat him. It may have only been a game of checkers, but I now understand that he was teaching me a lot more than just playing a game. Other than strategy and patience, he taught me that sometimes things are not always what they seem and to never give up even when I am being cornered. He taught me ways to avoid being cornered in the game which would translate later into my life. Checkers taught me to see the bigger picture and it taught me about authority, reference the King. However, having a title, such as King, does not mean that you are leader. Any checker piece can take out the King. Whether my grandfather actually meant to teach me these life skills or not, I do not know, but his sacrifice to bond with me over multiple games of checkers, over and over and over again, taught me these skills.
My grandfather was there for me growing up. Whether it was a school play, my Eagle Scout banquet, or my high school graduation. He made every effort to be there. I remember seeing my grandfather’s face in the crowd while I was performing in downtown Norfolk, while in grade school and during the Christmas season. I puffed out my chest a little because I wanted to make him proud. He was there for me when I struggled with teenage life, when my dad died and before I was deployed to Saudi Arabia. I had to write my own will and he helped me do so. My poor grandfather was going to be left with my beat up truck that I bought for $500 and some of my dirty laundry, both literally and figuratively.
My grandfather was a God fearing man and we would have many talks about God, heaven, life, death, my Grandmother, my Dad, and my Aunt, just to name a few topics. A couple of weeks ago I had asked my grandfather if he was scared to die. He answered no, that he wasn’t. I still remember a conversation that I had with my grandfather about religion. He was talking about Jesus and how his children were raised Catholic. He wanted to make sure that I had a relationship with Christ, which he knew that I did, and I also knew where he was going with the conversation. I was preparing myself. He asked me what religion I was and I told him that I considered myself a Baptist. He then proceeded to say that I was raised Catholic, and though I was a bad Catholic, at least I knew who Jesus was. That comment made me laugh pretty hard which in turn made my grandfather laugh.
My grandfather had a big heart and he taught me kindness and to sacrifice for others. My grandfather would give you the shirt off of his back, or give you a job, or lend you money, or give you a meal if you were hungry. He was a generous, but fair, man. He loved his family more than we could ever imagine. He was the cornerstone of this family and will be missed tremendously. I will miss the phone calls that my grandfather and I had about life, money, family, sports, traveling, etc. I will miss his laugh. I will miss his hugs. I will miss his handshakes and I will miss his praises and counsel. I will miss his admiration for my 40 hour a week job and I will miss knowing that he was just a phone call away for me to vent to or just share life with. I will miss my grandfather.
As I begin to complete this eulogy, I will again say that this eulogy will not begin to describe the type of man that my grandfather was. If I were to become half the man that my grandfather was, I will consider that a win in life. To those of you that knew my grandfather, you will understand when I say that his life was his eulogy and that he lived life to its fullest. My words will not be sufficient enough to describe the giant of a man that my grandfather was. After my dad died, I searched for any godly man that would fill that father figure role in my life. Little did I know that I would find that man and that it would take his death for me to realize it.
I can not end this without saying that without a shadow of a doubt, my grandfather is in Heaven. He had a personal relationship with Christ and I know that my grandfather would want me to tell you that none of us get out of this world alive. He would want me to tell you to live life, to enjoy family, and to stay out of trouble no matter what you do. Death is inevitable but a relationship with Christ is a choice. I pray that you choose to seek a relationship with Christ. It is not about religion. It is not about a set of rules to follow. It is not about being Catholic, or Baptist, or Methodist, or Lutheran, but it IS about relationship. It is about having a relationship with a God that sent his one and only son to die for each and everyone of us living on this rock, this rental home, that we call earth.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-12 tells us that death comes to all
1 This, too, I carefully explored: Even though the actions of godly and wise people are in God’s hands, no one knows whether God will show them favor. 2 The same destiny ultimately awaits everyone, whether righteous or wicked, good or bad, ceremonially clean or unclean, religious or irreligious. Good people receive the same treatment as sinners, and people who make promises to God are treated like people who don’t.
3 It seems so wrong that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate. Already twisted by evil, people choose their own mad course, for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway. 4 There is hope only for the living. As they say, “It’s better to be a live dog than a dead lion!”
5The living at least know they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, nor are they remembered. 6 Whatever they did in their lifetime—loving, hating, envying—is all long gone. They no longer play a part in anything here on earth. 7So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! 8 Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne!
9Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil. 10 Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave,
there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
11I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.
12People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy.
God knew the exact time my grandfather would join Him and God knew exactly what kind of footprint that my grandfather would leave on his family and this world. My grandfathers legacy will live on through my Uncle John, my grandfather's grandchildren and great grandchildren. I am still learning alot from grandfather even today. This going away party that we are having today for my grandfather was planned for and prepared for by my grandfather. While my grandfather was still with us, he prepared for this by ensuring his will and burial was taken care of. I ask that you consider doing the same for your own family.
I love you, Grandpa. I miss you and I will do all that I can to honor the Clouse name. I will continue to help those in need and will continue to work at putting others before myself. Each day I will strive to be better than you were with the hopes of being just like you. I will now honor my grandfather’s wishes by taking a copy of this eulogy, placing it in a bottle and throwing it into the sea. When this will actually happen is yet to be determined, but I will honor him by making it an awesome trip. Maybe I will do it when I visit Ireland, or Scotland, or maybe I will do it when I am enroute to the Caribbean.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak about my grandfather. I hope I did you proud, grandpa.
Love,
Your grandson, James Jr.
