For 2014, the Alton R-IV Public Schools Foundation is proud to recognize John Q. Clary, Jr., (class of ’64) as the 2014 AHS Alumni of the Year. This award is presented annually by the Alton R-IV Public School Foundation to Alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the community and the school and continue to support our students through the Alton R-4 School Foundation.
After graduation from Oregon County R-IV High School in 1964, John attended Southwest Missouri State College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 1968. John joined the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and served 4 years, including 1 year in Vietnam, as an Intelligence Specialist. He was honorably discharged as an E-5. In 1973 John was married to Cathy Reents. In 1974, he received a Master of Arts degree in History from Missouri State University.
John joined Philip Morris USA (later Altria) in 1975. He held 9 different positions, including Director of National Trade Marketing and Vice President of Sales, then retired in 2006 after 31 years with Altria.
After retirement John has taught history at Georgia Perimeter College and has served on several homeowners association and community Boards of Directors. John and Cathy live in Georgia. They have 3 sons and 3 Grandchildren. They spend as much time as possible with their families and enjoy traveling.