James Clark

JAMES CLARK, SR. James Gordon Clark Sr., son of Edmond John and Edna Jonas Clark, was born, July 1, 1929 in West Burlington, Iowa. He departed this life, Friday, January 21, 2011, in Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach, Missouri at the age of eighty-one. On August 13, 1953, he was united in marriage to Mary Gladys McDaniel and to this union five children were born. Together they shared the past fifty-seven years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, John; a brother, Billy and a sister, Hope. A few short hours after his passing, his son James Gordon Clark, II passed away. Survivors include his wife, Mary Clark; three children, William and Wyatt both of Linn Creek and Kathy of El Paso, Texas; three grandchildren, Jack Crouch, Adam Clark and Caitlin Wandling; numerous great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law; a sister, Mabel Rolf of Burlington, Iowa and several other relatives and friends. James was raised in Iowa and at the age of fifteen, enlisted with the United States Navy. He served over twenty-three years. The family lived in various places while he was in the Navy. He served during World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired from the Navy as a FTCS (E-8 Fire Control Technician). He retired to Linn Creek in 1977. He was a jack of all trades and a master of all. He was proficient in wood working, electronics, hydraulics, and mechanics. The family could always depend on him to repair anything that needed fixed. His interests were as wide and deep as the oceans he sailed. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 28, 2011 in Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors will follow in Freedom Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., Friday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Freedom Cemetery, c/o Sherry Clemmons, 42945 State Hwy 7, Montreal, MO 65591. Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton is assisting the family with arrangements.