James Bernard Clark

Jim believed each of us is connected to every person and everything on this Earth through the good Lord.  Jim was given the gift of life and now had to give it back. Jim was a lucky man, who led a blessed existence, and for this, he was eternally grateful.

A Veteran of the Navy, member of the Markesan Methodist Church, involved in community services like Jaycees, the Rochelle Men Singers, Scottish Rite Degree 103 Masons, Junior Chamber of Commerce and then the Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, Volunteer Program for People on Probation, Toastmasters Club and Kiwanis Club.  Jim also received a lifetime of many worthy and notable deeds—Jim was admitted as a Noble of The Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Tebala Temple, received the Distinguished Volunteer Service for the American Heart Association and was named Markesan’s Citizen of the Year, just to name a few.

Jim survived two strokes and a severe car accident, after which doctors branded Jim a walking miracle.  See, Jim had other plans and decided to be joyful about living a full life rather than be sad about dying. Amazingly, this outlook worked for him. (Well, you know, most of the time.) He always accepted what he could not change and was always at peace.

Jim was a kind and gentle man, and if you knew him, then you know.  He was always gracious, very thankful for his beloved friends, family, co-workers, and those who cared for him, and in the end, he really wanted everyone to know how precious you all have been to him. Knowing and loving each one of you was the success story of his life. Metaphorically speaking, he will meet all of you again, joyfully, on the other side.

A resident of Markesan WI since 1984, James Bernard Clark, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 11 2021, at the Markesan Resident Home. Jim led a good life and had a peaceful death — but the transition was hard. And for the record, he did not lose his battle with his ongoing medical conditions. When he died, those medical conditions died too, so technically, it was a tie!

On September 14, 1931, Jim was born in Wapella, Illinois, the son of Lewis Kitchel Clark and Helen (Martin) Clark.   In August of 1951, Jim was appointed a Midshipman in the Naval Reserve of the United States Navy.  Jim married his beautiful wife Patty Jean in Clinton, IL, on August 10, 1952.

Patty and Jim moved to Rochelle, IL, where they both worked for Del Monte Corporation.  Jim and Patty relocated to Ogden, Utah, for a short time before moving to and settling in Markesan, WI, in 1984.  Jim served as Del Monte Foods Resource manager for 37 years and as Chairman of Plant Safety Programs.

James Bernard Clark is survived by a sister Laura June Zoerner from California, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Patty Jean Clark, two sons, Martin L. Clark and Steven James Clark; a daughter, Cheryl (Clark) Macy; a brother, Harry.

Jim served the Lord and has now taken up His invitation to take on Jim’s heavy burdens and give him rest.  Jim served the Lord with gladness and entered His gates with thanksgiving and songs of praise, for the Lord is good, and His love endures forever.

Visitation for Jim Clark will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 25, 2021, at Markesan United Methodist Church, 74 East Catherine Street in Markesan, followed by a luncheon at the Church.  Pastor Shin will officiate.  Burial will be at the Markesan Cemetery.  Memorials may be addressed to the James Clark Living Trust, PO Box 21, Markesan WI 53946.

Military honors will be provided by the Abendroth-Connolly American Legion Post 282.