To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Obituary
John “Jack” Archibald Barclay III, of Winston Salem, North Carolina, and formally of Las Cruces, NM passed away in the arms of his loving son Charles and his family on October 21, 2026 at the age of 90. Born on April 22, 1936, in Winthrop, Massachusetts, Jack devoted his life to serving others, and his generosity of spirit touched countless lives.
Jack will be remembered for kindness, generosity, and the quiet ability to bring people together. Family, friends, neighbors, and community all experienced the warmth and sincerity that made time spent with him meaningful.Throughout life, Jack built lasting connections and touched many lives through simple acts of kindness, encouragement, friendship, and community service. Shared moments, and everyday gestures created memories that will remain with those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Family meant a great deal to Jack, and relationships were always nurtured with patience and devotion. Friends valued loyalty and sincerity, while colleagues appreciated dedication and a thoughtful approach to work and collaboration; especially for the many public charities and causes he supported throughout his life.
Jack graduated from Western High School in Washington, DC. As a private in the United States Army, he had the honor of marching in President Eisenhower's inaugural parade in January 1953. He went on to graduate from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in 1961 with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. While at The Citadel, he met Ruth Irene Starr, the daughter of one of his professors, Robert Campbell Starr, and the two were later married. In 1961, they moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where Jack worked as a chemist at the Apollo site and where they raised their three sons; John, Peter, and Charles. Even though Jack and Ruth parted ways in 1977, Jack was always there to help take care of Ruth until she passed in 2007.
In 1980, Jack began working as a computer programmer for New Mexico State University. In the fall of 1985, he married Dorothy Scholl, in Mesilla, NM. A lifelong learner, Jack continued his education while employed at the university, graduating with honors in January 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy. He retired from NMSU in 2000.
Jack was always focused on the needs of others, and public service to his community was his foremost commitment in life. Jack spent many years in Toast Masters. He was Scout Master for Boys Scout, Troop 70 and Troop 180. He was known as “one-eyed Jack” as BSA Camp Dale Resler, in Cloudcroft where he spend many summers with his boys in scouts. He made several trips to BSA Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM as well. He gave countless hours to fundraising for KRWG Radio Station, the Mayor's Top Teen program, and Veterans Memorial Park where he always assisted with the raising and lowering of the Garrison Flag. His faith was an abiding part of his life, and he served for a short time as pastor of St. Mary's Anglican Church on the Hill, ministering to his congregation with the same care he showed everyone he met.
Jack was probably most well know for his extensive work with Optimist International. founded the [Optimist Clubs information
Jack is survived by his wife, Dorothy Scholl Barclay; his son, Charles Drostan Barclay and his wife; his grandchildren, John Archibald Barclay V, Tarythe Barclay Albrecht, Ayme Elizabeth Barclay, Triana Barclay Cullen, and Keeghan Nicolas Remington Barclay; and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Major General John Archibald Barclay II and Gwendolyn Monagin Barclay; his brother Colonel Douglas Hines Barclay; his first wife, Ruth Starr Barclay; and his sons, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Campbell Barclay and John Archibald Barclay IV.
At Jack's request, he was cremated, and his ashes will be laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama, where his parents and brother are interred.
Those wishing to honor Jack's life may consider donations to Optimist International (www.optimist.org) or the SPCA (https://spca.org).
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
-Mary Elizabeth Frye
The passing of Jack leaves a space that cannot be filled. Yet the memories, lessons, and moments shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.
Dad, you will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
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Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Jack embodied throughout their life.
www.optimist.org
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