James Thomas Clarke

James Thomas "Jimmy" Clarke passed away peacefully at the age of 87 at his home in Colonial Heights, Virginia, on December 1, 2024. He was born to Flavius Fitzhugh Clarke and Bessie Roberson Clarke on June 2, 1937, in Rehobeth Virginia. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Aubrey F. Clarke, Lynwood C. Clarke; and sisters, Ruth C. Smith, Bertha C. Hudson, Louise C. Hurt and Rosa C. Elliott.

He served in the United States Navy from 1954-1957. He married his sweetheart Betty Jean Wrigglesworth on January 18, 1958. They were married for almost 67 years and had two sons together – Clayvern Carson "Toy" Clarke and Turner Regan Clarke.

Throughout his life, Jimmy was known as a loving husband and father as well as devoted grandfather and great-grandfather. His family fondly remembers him to be the most generous, selfless person; willing to stop everything to help anyone out- whether it be taking a vehicle to the mechanics or buying the great-grandchildren happy meals from McDonald’s.

In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing where those around him referred to him as Lobo; as well as cooking big breakfasts for anyone who stopped by the house, His very unexpected passing leaves a void in the hearts of everyone who knew him and loved him.

Jimmy Clarke was survived by his wife, Betty Jean Wrigglesworth Clarke, and their sons- Clayvern Carson "Toy" Clarke and his wife, Tammy Cooper Clarke and Turner Regan Clarke and his wife, Jody Davis Clarke, his grandchildren-Autumn Blair Cook and her husband Cody Cook, Audra Lynne Antich and her husband Tony Antich, Carson Thomas Clarke and his wife Emily Clarke, Caleb Cooper Clarke and his wife Isa Clarke, and his great-grandchildren Chase Santiago Clarke, Travis Wade Cook, Skylar Elise Antich, Kevin, Sebastian Clarke, Cooper Carson Clarke, Mia Annelise Clarke, and Beckham Slade Antich; and a sister, Mary C. Skinner.

A funeral service for both Betty and James Clarke will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11AM at the Clarke Funeral Home in Kenbridge.(110 E. Fifth Avenue) The family will receive friends from 10am until start of services. Private interment to follow at the Kenbridge Heights Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to Second Chance Baptist Church, 2701 County Drive, Petersburg, VA 23803 or online at www.secondchancebaptist.org