Hezlep James Clark

Heze passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the afternoon of August 25, 2025 at the age of 78, several weeks after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. A passionate nutritionist and athlete, with an unearthly ability to swim, he fought as long and hard as his body would allow. Heze was born on March 31,1947, the son of James and Mary Clark of Indianapolis, IN. He and his siblings grew up in Indianapolis and were graduates of Washington High School. Their family was influenced by the legendary coaching career of their father, Coach Jim Clark, and their childhood was full of time in the pool. Training at the Westwood Country Club, Heze eventually followed in the swim coaching footsteps of his father. 

While refining his knowledge and skill as a coach, he shared his passion with hundreds of young competitive swimmers, many of whom competed in finals and championships throughout their years. Heze started coaching at Westwood Country Club, and then further coached in Newtown, Connecticut, along with a number of locations in Indiana (Southport, Pike Township, Mooresville, Plainfield, and Ben Davis to name a few). His influence can not be understated. He was at home on the deck of a pool and his athletes and colleagues were undoubtedly inspired by his passion for the sport. 

Also in his younger days, Heze used his curiosity of numbers to study Tax and Bookkeeping. This skill eventually allowed him to serve in this capacity for the United States Army, with a tour in The Vietnam War. An experience that he would never forget, it brought stories to family gatherings time and time again. Stories of the "Chill Factor of -60 degrees" during a layover in Alaska, or that temperatures reached "120" during the day in Vietnam, with lows in the 80s overnight. Retirement was never a thought for Heze. He enjoyed his work and was committed to serving his clients to the best of his ability as long they needed his help. 

Heze married Deborah Clark in 1995 in Nashville, Indiana. Interestingly, they met after she went searching for her birth father and found him living with Heze. Debbie and Heze spent many years lovingly caring for family in their home, including Debbie's birth father and mother.

Heze had a positive nature, and was always ready to tell a joke or stump you with a piece of obscure trivia (often involving numbers). He had a boisterous laugh, and could catch a cat-nap anywhere. He loved reading about nutrition and exercise, always sharing what he learned with others. If you stopped by his house in the morning, there is a good chance you would find him in the middle of his daily "Total Gym" routine. 

Heze is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Clark of Plainfield, IN, his brother Cass (Sheila) of Kokomo, IN, Deborah's children and grandchildren: Michael (Amy), Sadie, and Seamus of Ridgway, CO; Eric (Jenny) Morgan, and Drake of Plainfield, IN; Darren (Marisa) and Mabel of Chesterton, IN; his niece Dawn Baker and nephews Donald and Jim Wilkerson and family. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Sherry (Don) Wilkerson (1937-1985) and Eva Clark (1948-2019). He is also survived by his two dogs (Lucy and Scotty) that he walked religiously twice a day. 

One final note: Heze lived on earth for approximately 2,474,236,800 seconds.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan - Decatur Township, located at 5463 Kentucky Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46221.

His Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 PM. Chaplain Tom Bartley will officiate.

Procession to Heze's final place of rest at Memorial Park Cemetery will follow.

Flanner Buchanan - Decatur Township has charge of arrangements.