Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Ourso Funeral Home - Gonzales

13533 Airline Highway

Gonzales, Louisiana

Rev. James Clark Obituary

Rev. James L. "Jim" Clark, age 84, residing in Prarieville, La., died on June 16th, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales, La. Jim was born on August 14, 1930, in Stamford, Connecticut, to James Clark and Valina Scofield Clark. He served as a USAF officer in Japan and graduated from William Carey College and New Orleans Baptist Seminary after his return. Jim pastored four congregations and ended his ministry as a staff member at Bethany Church in Baton Rouge, La. He was also the founder and dean of Ministers Training Institute. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife of 38 years, Pat, and survived by his present wife of 25 years, Janet. He is also survived by: his three children Michael Bruce Clark and wife Phyllis, Melanie Dawn Clark Stockstill and husband Rev. Larry Stockstill, Rev. Joel David Clark and wife Heide and his step-children Pamela and Michael Kirkwood, Melissa and Rodney Keller, Steven Marse and wife Lynelle, and Seth Marse, a sister, Joyce Clark Jacquier, step-brothers and sisters, 25 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday, June 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Church South Campus on Reiger Road in Baton Rouge, La. Gifts and donations in lieu of flowers should be given to Bethany Church for the Lazarus drug rehabilitation project.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Advocate from Jun. 17 to Jun. 20, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Rev. James Clark

Not sure what to say?





Pat Styers

June 6, 2023

I attended Bethany in the 1970´s and met Brother Jim Clark there. He was a wonderful man of God and one of the greatest Bible teachers I have ever heard. I was blessed to attend Bethany, Bethany Bible Institute and Charismatic Hall (later named New Roads Church) where his teachings greatly impacted my life. He was an inspiration to me and to all who knew him. His impact on my life remains and I will always be blessed by his presence and influence in my life. I know he is rejoicing in Heaven and I look forward to the day when I will join him there.

Nicholas Cardona

June 20, 2015

I spent many hours in his classes at Bethany Bible Institute back in the 70s and remember him as the greatest and most learned bible scholar I've ever met. He told us that God called him into the ministry by speaking to him in an audible voice. I will never forget him and think of him often.

Debbie Gustafson

June 19, 2015

To the family of Brother Clark,
Please accept my sincere condolences regarding the death of Brother Jim. Our faith teaches us that life has changed...not ended. May the peace of Christ flood your soul.

Donna Bergeron

June 19, 2015

My heart goes out to you and all your family at this time. I am sorry that I was not able to attend the service for Bro. Jim. He will be greatly missed.

Barry Jarreau

June 19, 2015

Offering prayers for a fallen Airman.

Jay High

June 19, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man of God Brother Jim was; a shining example of God's love and grace. We know he is hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant".
Love Jay and Angelle High

Dianne Morrell

June 19, 2015

I attended Bethany when Jim Clark was associate Pastor. He was such an inspiration and has such knowledge of God's word. He will be missed by many, but he is now home.

Patricia Guidroz

June 19, 2015

Sorry to hear of the loss of Rev. Clark. Please accept my sincere condolences. As I am unable to attend services, I will be praying for the family. Sadly, Patricia Guidroz.

June 19, 2015

My Deepest condolences to you and your Family

June 19, 2015

Bro. Jim Clark Thank you for your Love and
commitment to the Lord and the body of Christ
we will meet again
Our prayers to the family
Barry and Adora Guy

Bruce and Diane Craig

June 19, 2015

May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Barbara Campagna

June 18, 2015

I first met Bro. Jim & Melanie on their 1st mission trip to Ollie Lovett's in Mexico. We had a great time & enjoyed his ministry in all the years following. What a wonderful legacy he has left to his children and grandchildren and all of us who were privileged to hear his revelation of God's Word.

June 18, 2015

Dear Sisters Melanie, Janet and Family,
Let us thank God for the life and legacy of your father and husband who taught us how to live and love. So many people have been impacted by his "stern, loving" demeanor. Brother Clark will be missed most by those who personally loved him dearly.
May his soul enjoy eternal REST, seeing those who have gone before and waiting for those of us who have been left behind.
So glad to have admired Brother Clark from a distance: his unforgettable character and Christian legacy become the example for us to follow.
Lovingly,
Ora Lee Plummer

Bonnie Ducote

June 18, 2015

I went to hear him speak n New Roads as a new Christian n late 70s afterwards I asked him if I was gonna make it to Heaven, he answered, 'well it depends on how close to Jesus you r!' I never forgot that

Jeff and Karen Gross

June 18, 2015

Mrs. Janet, Melanie, Joel and families, we share your sorrow at the home-going of Bro. Jim. He was a force to be reckoned with; an true example of a man after God's heart. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Ruth Smith & Family

June 18, 2015

Absent from the body, present with our Lord! Our prayers and sympathy are with Pastor Clark'/family, & friends.
Love - Mama Ruth Smith & Family

Rita Schexnayder

June 18, 2015

To the most Godly man I know, full of wisdom and love. Thank you for leading me in prayer to my Lord and Savior. You will always have a special place in my heart.

June 18, 2015

Bro. Clark, truly "salt & light"(Matt. 5:13-15). May the peace of the Comforter be with his wife and the family.
Barbara Jackson

Tabitha White

June 18, 2015

Uncle Jim you will be missed. I love you and send loving thought to Melanie and the rest of the family. I love all of you.

Steve and Tracey Bartlett

June 18, 2015

Janet our love and prayers are with you. Jim was a real blessing to us. His was a life well lived. He was always a Godly and honorable man.
Steve and Tracey Bartlett

Charles Stokes

June 18, 2015

We extend our sympathies to all the family in the home-going of Bro. Clark. A husband, dad, grandfather, teacher and mentor to so many can never be replaced. His investment in the lives of his family and in the kingdom of God will live on in those he loved. Our prayers are with you as you say your goodbyes now and in the days ahead as you face life's challenges without his presence, love and guidance. But, we also rejoice in the thoughts of your hello someday with him again in the presence of our Lord. May God abundantly pour over your hearts His comfort. Bro. Charles and Bonnie Stokes

Liz Wahl Andre'

June 18, 2015

Bro. Jim Clark is a godly man full of wisdom and integrity. He helped me out during a hard season in my life. Praying the Comforter to minister peace to his family and loved ones. I know his reward will be great in Glory.

Jacob & Connie Leblanc

June 18, 2015

He will be missed,what a true man of God...he is leaving a legacy,,,,,he has touched so many hearts and minds for the glory of God,,truly blessed to know you sir..We love you Mrs Janice..May God give you peace and comfort and strength to you and your,Love Jacob& Connie and family the LeBlancs

Sister Fathiya Davis & Family

June 17, 2015

Dear Family of Pastor Clark:

May the peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ rest upon and comfort you daily; may His love flood your heart and soul eternally. Rejoice in the fact that God satisfied Bro. Clark with long life and faithfully showed him His salvation (Psalm 91:16). He will be remembered by many as a strong, noble man of God. Please know that my fond thoughts and earnest prayers are with each of you.

Yours in Christ,

Jeff and June Newman

June 17, 2015

Dear Melanie and family, our prayers and love are with you in this hour.

Veda Dunbar

June 17, 2015

It must be the season for God to call His mature servants home and to let the fruit that they have borne carry the legacy forward. Brother Jim was one of those! I know that my precious husband, who just went to be with the Lord May 20 was so excited to be joined in Heaven by Brother Jim, whom he respected so much! They're having great fellowship with the One Who called them into His service, I believe. Sister Janet, the Lord will be so very close to you, strengthen you, love you, and comfort you just as He has me. I love you and pray for your wonderful family.

June 17, 2015

My the power and presence of the Holy Spirit comfort, bring peace, and loving joyful memories to the family and friends of Pastor Clark.
-Dr. Cheryl M. Brandon (Baton Rouge, LA)

Rip Rittell

June 17, 2015

I will never forget the time I went to MTI and all of the help he has given to me and my family. He was a blessing to the body of Christ

Kathy W. Hearn

June 17, 2015

I remember as a child growing up hearing Br Clark preach at Faith Tabernacle (now Household of Faith in Gonzales). He was a great man of faith and one of the BEST CHRISTIAN role models for anyone to look up to because he truly not only taught the Word of GOD but lived it to the fullest! My husband Charles & I would like to express our deepest sympathy to his family and we know that one day we will all be together again with our loved ones up in heaven forever with our LORD & SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST!

Daniel Noyes

June 17, 2015

I'm sorry for your loss. I always have great memories of Bro. Clark.

From the Staff of Ourso Funeral Home

June 17, 2015

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

Make a Donation
in Rev. James Clark's name

Memorial Events
for Rev. James Clark

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Ourso Funeral Home - Gonzales

13533 Airline Highway, Gonzales, LA 70737

How to support Rev. James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Rev. James Clark's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more