MISSION, TX - It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of a distinguished industry member this past weekend. Former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) John McClung passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Even a decade after his retirement, McClung is still regarded for his many achievements during the course of his indelible career.

McClung retired from TIPA in 2011, after 12 years spent 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 his move to South Texas, he also served as Vice President for Industry Relations/Government Relations for the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association (now the United Fresh Produce Association), for 13 years in Washington, DC.

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

Before joining United in 1987, 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.

McClung graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson, which was his hometown, with a B.A. in Journalism. He did his graduate work at the University of Minnesota in Mass Communications. He is survived by his wife, Judy McClung; his son, John; and his daughter, Janna.

In lieu of flowers, Judy McClung has asked for those who knew John 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 click here. TIPA will collect these submissions and assemble them for presentation to the McClung family.

The ANUK team sends our deepest condolences to the friends and family members enduring this great loss.