John Edward Clarkson

John Edward Clarkson, retired Norfolk Circuit Court Judge, passed away on October 5, 2025, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He was greatly admired for his judicial temperament, character, unfailing courtesy, fairness, and wise decisions.

Born in Oak Park, Illinois, he was the son of John Palmer Clarkson and Mildred Stitt Clarkson. Following his father’s death, his mother moved to Washington, D.C., to work at the Pentagon during World War II. John attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, a place that profoundly shaped his life and character. He graduated in 1948, serving as Head Monitor, Captain of the Track Team, and a member of the varsity football team.

He went on to graduate from the University of Virginia in 1953, where he was president of the DKE fraternity and participated in varsity football, wrestling, and track. He also served as president of the Inner Fraternity Council and was a member of TILKA, the Z Society, the 13 Society, and the Raven Society.

In 1953, John entered the United States Army and served two years at Fort Eustis, Virginia, and in Pusan, Korea, retiring as a First Lieutenant.

After earning his law degree in 1958, he joined the law firm of Willcox, Savage in Norfolk, Virginia, where he became a partner. In 1983, he was appointed to the Circuit Court of Norfolk, serving with distinction until his retirement in 1997. He was Chief Judge from 1987 to 1989. Following retirement, Judge Clarkson worked as a mediator with the McCammon Group and frequently substituted in area courts.

Before his judicial appointment, Judge Clarkson was active in the community. He served as Chairman of the United Way of South Hampton Roads, was a member of the Board of the Friends of the Juvenile Court and served on the Advisory Board of the Norfolk and Chesapeake Health Center. He was also a longtime member of the Board of Trustees at Episcopal High School, president of the University of Virginia Alumni Association, and a member of its Board for many years. Additionally, he served on the Board of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and was a strong advocate for its mission.

Judge Clarkson is survived by his wife of 72 years, the former Kirkland Ruffin Tucker; two children, John Palmer Clarkson and his wife, Elizabeth Zollicoffer Clarkson, and Mary Clarkson Stein and her husband, Robert L. Stein; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Christ Church of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Interment will follow in the Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery in Virginia Beach, Virginia at a later date.