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James Vernon Clark

James Vernon Clark

  • June 7, 1936 - December 14, 2011
  • Winterset, Iowa
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Memories & Candles

“Dad, I don't know why I am having such a hard time. Maybe it's because I am no longer anyones "little girl" Maybe it's because I am not as strong as...Read More » ”
1 of 14 | Posted by: Julia Clark - Des Moines, IA

“Loved by all who knew him. Another Loss !!!!! ”
2 of 14 | Posted by: Paul & Carole Clark - LA

“I was so happy to have my son know you, he loved to come play at the farm just as I did when I was growing up. You taught me so many new things with...Read More » ”
3 of 14 | Posted by: Tammy, Rob and Draven - Winterset, IA

“Dad, I seem to keep trying to figure a way to let you know that I am missing you so freaking much. But I know that it's just not possible. I hope...Read More » ”
4 of 14 | Posted by: julia Ann Clark - Des Moines, IA

“Sorry to hear of James passing and condolences to all of his family. ”
5 of 14 | Posted by: Todd Clark - Urbandale, IA

“RIP James...I am so going to miss the visits and the stories you would tell when Mom (Aunt Edie) and I would come to visit with Nancy and Donny,...Read More » ”
6 of 14 | Posted by: Laurie Stockman - Des Moines , IA

“Nancy and Don Many thoughts and prayers...since learning of James' passing from this life on earth. Larry and I send heartfelt sympathy and love to...Read More » ”
7 of 14 | Posted by: Ruby Ralston Olson - MN

“You and your family have my sympathy. It is always so hard to lose a loved one. ”
8 of 14 | Posted by: Ruth Crawford Childers - Tama, IA

“I am very sorry to learn of James's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Karen ”
9 of 14 | Posted by: Karen Hendrickson - Alamaogordo, NM

“Dear Nancy, Steven, Martin and families Sorry to hear of the passing of James. At this time I am in AZ and Curt is in IA, we come together in...Read More » ”
10 of 14 | Posted by: Curtis and Connie Allen - Osceola, IA

“I can't believe the man who I considered my big brother, has left this earth. He was a big part of my life and I will miss him so much. I'm so...Read More » ”
11 of 14 | Posted by: Edie - Johnston, IA - Aunt

“Nancy & Donnie, and Family, So sorry to hear the passing of James. When Rich Powell came back to IA for a visit we always went to see him and he so...Read More » ”
12 of 14 | Posted by: Gloria Merical - adel, IA

“Steve, I hope for the best for you and your family at this time ! I wish we could make it there! I will be missing Jim too ! ”
13 of 14 | Posted by: James A Mc Carthy & Family - FL

“Steve, your family is in our thoughts and prayers for the loss of your brother. May you all find comfort in this time of loss as a family. We are...Read More » ”
14 of 14 | Posted by: David and Glenda Heaberlin - IA


Wheat Emblem

James Vernon Clark, age 75, died at his home in rural Winterset, Iowa on December 14, 2011. James was born in Winterset, Iowa on June 7, 1936. No services are being planned. A private interment of the cremains will take place at a later date at McDonald Chase Cemetery in rural Winterset, Iowa.
James attended Washington country School in Douglas Township until 1945 when he then attended Earlham Community School, graduating in 1955. On June 17, 1956 James and high school sweetheart Barb Dunmire were married. This union was blessed with four children: Julia, Jackie, Jimmy and Jeff Clark. James worked at Schiff's Shoe store in Des Moines and later at the Creston Shoe Store in Creston, Iowa. He then worked as a farm hand near Clarion, Iowa before moving to California. Upon returning to Iowa, James worked for a construction company building tall grain elevators throughout the Midwest. James also worked as an amusement ride mechanic and served in the Iowa National Guard for 7 years. James and Barbara were eventually divorced as well as a 2nd wife Betty Cooper-Purcell. Eventually James moved to Florida, where he spent 30 years working as a mechanic. James married his third wife Bess McCarthy on June 7, 1979. Bess died of cancer in September of 2000. In the fall of 2004, James moved back to his parent's home place near Earlham. His hobbies include model airplanes, bowling, dancing and shooting black powder muskets. He also enjoyed spending time with his hyper active Jack Russell puppy. He was an avid reader, especially westerns. He enjoyed bird watching and was much attuned to nature. He still went for an occasional ride on his 1200 Yamaha motorcycle.
James leaves the following family to celebrate his life: daughters Julia Clark of Des Moines; and Jacqulyn Clark of Bussey, IA; and sons James Clark II of Des Moines; and Jeffrey Clark of Creston, IA; Sister Nancy Rae Clark Henry and husband Donald; Brother Steven Craig Clark and wife Jewel; Brother Martin Douglas Clark; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents Cecil Vernon and Helen Irene (Wray) Clark; and a sister Catharine May Clark.