Oct 4, 2021

Former president and CEO of the Texas Produce Association, McClung, dies

John McClung, former president and CEO of the Texas Produce Association (predecessor to TIPA), died Saturday, Oct. 2 in South Texas.

McClung was a leader not only for the Texas produce industry, but for all of fresh produce. Even a decade after his retirement, McClung is still remembered for his many great achievements during the course of his career.

McClung retired from the Texas Produce Association in 2011, 12 years after he took over as president and CEO. He not only began the transition of TPA to TIPA, but he also oversaw the Texas Produce Marketing Cooperative, the Texas Produce Export Association, and managed the Federal Marketing Orders for Texas citrus and onions. Prior to moving to South Texas, he served as vice president for industry relations/government relations for the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (now the United Fresh Produce Association), for 13 years in Washington, D.C.

Before joining United in 1987, Mr. McClung spent seven years as an appointee at USDA during the Reagan administration, first as director of information and legislative affairs for the Food Safety and Inspection Service and then as director of information for all of USDA.

From 1977 until he joined USDA, he was the Washington Bureau Chief for Miller Publishing Co., a division of the American Broadcasting Co.  He previously worked as a reporter for United Press International in San Francisco and Fresno, California.

McClung graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson, his hometown, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and did his graduate work at the University of Minnesota in mass communications. Mr. McClung is survived by his wife, Judy McClung, his son, John, and his daughter, Janna.

“The hearts and prayers of TIPA and our industry go out to the McClung family and their loved ones during this time,” the association said in a statement.

In lieu of flowers, Judy McClung has asked for those that knew McClung to share a story or memory of him for which their family can look back on in fondness as they remember his legacy. If you are interested in providing a story to the family, please visit https://form.jotform.com/212764043190046. TIPA will collect these submissions and assemble them for presentation to the McClung family.