James Clark

Clark "Jim" James Joseph January 28, 1940 - November 8, 2025
Jim, affectionately known as "JJ" and "Bopper" Clark, 85, returned to his Heavenly Father on November 8, 2025, following complications from surgery. A man of unshakable faith, boundless generosity, and infectious joy, Jim left an indelible mark on every life he touched.
Born January 28, 1940, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Francis and Myra Clark, Jim grew up with a servant's heart and a patriot's resolve. He proudly answered his nation's call, serving 41 years with distinction in the United States Air Force. His courage, leadership, and devotion to his fellow airmen earned him multiple commendations and medals.
Even after retirement, Jim remained a steadfast pillar of the veteran community through the American Legion, while indulging a lifelong passion for aircraft, trains, and intricate puzzles. His elaborate model train setup, among the finest, became gathering points where he shared knowledge, laughter, and fellowship with fellow hobbyists.
On August 4, 1979, Jim married Diane Michael Martin. For more than four decades they built a home filled with laughter, cherished moments, and the delighted squeals of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim's pride in his family was boundless: children Curt (Bonnie) Clark, Marcie (Winston) Weis, Aimee (Steve) Clark, Jason Clark, Michelle (Jay) Hess, Kimberly (Chris) Townsend, and Rebecca (Tom) Long; thirteen grandchildren; and six (and a half) great-grandchildren. Whether coaching from the sidelines, tinkering in the garage, or simply pulling a chair up to the table. Jim had a remarkable ability to make every individual feel recognized, appreciated, and deeply cared for.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Myra Clark, and brother-in-law, Carl Michael, whom Jim loved and cared for with quiet devotion. Jim is survived by wife, Diane Clark, fur babies, Chloe and Teddy, brother, Tom (Cheryl) Clark, sister, Mary (Bill) Klein, 7 children, 13 grandchildren, and 6 and a half great grandchildren.
Jim will be remembered for the way he filled rooms with laughter, lifted spirits with generosity, and lived every day as a testament to duty, faith, and family. His was a life of service to God, country, and neighbor. His legacy will endure in every story retold, every model train that circles the track, and every heart he warmed.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to grandson Jace Clark, Jim's personal funeral director; surgeon, Dr. Randy Clark, doctors, and the ICU medical team with Intermountain Health who worked tirelessly to keep Jim with us; and the loving Southgate 2nd ward family for their generosity and support to Diane during difficult circumstances.
A life well-lived, deeply cherished, and forever missed.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St, St. George, UT 84770, with a viewing from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Tonaquint City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Color Country Model Railroad Club (CCRMC). Mail checks to Larry Schneider,1681 W. Garnet Ridge Dr. St. George, UT 84790-4922.