Remembering Dr. Jackson Joshua Walter Clemmons: A Life of Legacy and Service

A Peaceful Departure

Dr. Jackson Joshua Walter Clemmons passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, at the age of 102, in his home in Charlotte, Vermont. Surrounded by family and friends, his final moments were a reflection of a life well-lived and a legacy that will impact many generations to come.

Roots and Early Life

Born on March 24, 1923, in Beloit, Wisconsin, Jackson was the son of Henry and Ora Bell Clemmons. His family history was marked by resilience and hardship. His maternal great-grandfather had endured the horrors of slavery in Mississippi, and his grandparents participated in the Great Migration, relocating to the Midwest in 1914. Among them was his grandfather, Walter Bell, a master painter and carpenter who imparted skills to Jackson during his formative years.

On his paternal side, Jackson’s grandfather, J.J. Clemmons, originally from Martinique, made significant strides as an educator. In 1917, he founded the first school for African American children in Washington County, North Carolina, demonstrating the importance of education in the Clemmons family lineage.

The Clemmons Family Business

Jackson’s parents, both hard workers, operated a hat shop and laundromat in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Situated next to the Milwaukee Journal, they often interacted with reporters who piqued Jackson’s interest in photography by giving him expired rolls of film. This attention sparked a lifelong passion, supported by his mother’s encouragement of his artistic interests in drawing and craftsmanship.

Pursuit of Education Amid Challenges

Jackson’s academic journey began at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he pursued agriculture. However, the outbreak of World War II interrupted his education. Drafted into the military, he served in the Philippines before returning to complete his bachelor’s degree in 1948, followed by a master’s in biochemistry in 1949, ultimately earning his doctorate in 1956. Notably, he was the first African American student in his department.

During his studies, he collaborated with Dr. Karl Paul Link, contributing significantly to the development of anticoagulants, including the well-known prescription drug Warfarin, which is vital in preventing blood clots.

Overcoming Obstacles in Medical Training

Following his doctoral studies, Jackson pursued medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Unfortunately, he faced discrimination when the university rescinded his financial aid upon discovering his race. Undeterred, Jackson and his wife, Lydia, worked multiple jobs for four years while leading a frugal lifestyle in order to finance his education, culminating with his M.D. in 1959.

A Trailblazing Career in Medicine

Upon joining the University of Vermont Medical College in 1962 as a pediatric pathologist, Dr. Clemmons became the second African American on its faculty. Over the decades, he positively impacted thousands of students, especially those of color, showcasing his dedication to mentorship and education. His research work earned him various prestigious fellowships, and he became an advisor for significant organizations including the National Institutes of Health.

Community Engagement

Alongside his professional endeavors, Jackson actively participated in local community education. He co-led the Charlotte Central School PTA with Lydia and later took on leadership roles on the Champlain Valley Union High School board, advocating for improved educational opportunities and inclusivity for all students.

Adventures and Cultural Exchange

Travel was another passion shared by Jackson and Lydia. Their honeymoon in 1953 involved a cross-country journey during the Jim Crow era, reflecting both resilience and curiosity. Throughout their 20 years of travel to Africa for volunteer work, they cultivated a deep understanding of global cultures. In the 1980s, they established Authentica African Imports, focusing on importing African art and artifacts.

Stewardship of the Land

Jackson’s commitment extended beyond his career and community; he was also an environmentalist and farmer. Over six decades, he resisted pressures to develop his family farm, instead restoring its historic structures and planting thousands of trees. His dream of creating a center for multicultural exchange became a reality when he and Lydia sold the farm to a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving African-American heritage.

A Lasting Legacy

Following a rich and meaningful life, Jackson Clemmons is now reunited with his beloved wife Lydia, who predeceased him in August 2024. He leaves behind five children and a large family network, along with a community of students, mentees, and friends who carry forward his teachings and vision of equity and social justice.

Celebration of Life

A community celebration to honor Jackson’s remarkable life will take place at Clemmons Farm in spring 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the JJ Clemmons Alumni Association, reinforcing the educational legacy he cherished. By contributing, the community can help uplift students in Washington County, ensuring that Jackson’s impact extends far beyond his years.

For Donations:

• Mail to:
  Washington County African-American Museum and Cultural Arts Center
  P.O. Box 698
  Roper, NC 27970

In honoring Dr. Jackson Joshua Walter Clemmons, we celebrate not just a life lived, but a legacy that encourages us all to build, nurture, and advocate for a more inclusive world.