James Albert Clark Sr., was born August 12, 1936 in Woodruff County, Arkansas to the union of Taft and Elnora (Roddy) Clark. He was the second child of eleven (11) children. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elnora Clark; father, Taft Clark; twin daughter, Donna Clark; brothers, Therman, William, Louis, Eddie, Ernest and David Clark. James was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on Friday, September 23, 2022.

James attended Fitzhugh Elementary School in Fitzhugh, Arkansas, and Carver High School in Augusta, Arkansas, completing eleven (11) years of formal education.

James was baptized at an early age by Rev. G.A. Brown, and attended Holly Grove Baptist Church in Fitzhugh, Arkansas. He participated in the Junior Quartet of the Church. After leaving Arkansas for St. Louis, Missouri, James affiliated himself with Rising Star Church for a short period of time. However, he had been affectionately attached to St. Paul Baptist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois for many years.

James' first marriage was to Ruby McKinney on August 29, 1954, performed by Rev. G.A. Brown in the Minister's home. There were six (6) children from this union: James Jr., Donzell & Donna (twins), Loretta, Henrietta, and Veronica.

In 1976, James became a part of a young child's life, Natan, through association with her Mother, Odelia Mosley, and promised to be the Daddy that she never had.

In April 1973, James began a beautiful relationship with Rosemary Raines for 13 years, and were married on  May 24, 1986, in Las Vegas, Nevada. There were no children born to this union, but she has been G-Mama to all generations of James' children for the past 36 years.

James was employed with a variety of companies : National Lead (twice) as a Laborer, Hyman-Michael as a Laborer, Allied Van Lines as an over-the-road- Truck Driver, Forest City Foundry Steel Mill as a Laborer, Yellow Freight Line as an over-the-road Truck Driver, and American Steel Foundry as an Inspector for nearly ten (10) years, then later retired.

What stood out the best for James was his hobby and love for tinkering around with vehicles. He had the gift of breaking down all the parts of a vehicle, making the necessary repairs, and putting it all back together. He prided himself in making sure that the work he did was the best in town. James was also considered a "Jack-of-all-trades", as he had the capability of a plumber, carpenter, electrician, and anything else that you can think of for building structures.

Let's talk about "James, the real man!" James had a charismatic personality that got the attention of any and everybody with whom he came in contact. He never met a stranger and always had a beautiful smile and dreamy eyes for those who gazed upon him. ("Be still my heart!") That included Young, Old, Black, White, and Babies. James had a laughter that got your attention, and conversation with quick-wit responses that were unforgettable. He brought the fun to the party, and had an extraordinarily big heart. James loved being around family and friends. In his travels, if he knew there were relatives residing in the area of his destination, you could rest assured that he would make an unexpected stop at your house.

Above all, James had a collection of "GIRLFRIENDS" that he would acquire without any effort whatsoever. His Love (Rose) of 49 years had a real challenge of keeping track of all these ladies and pretending to display an air or jealousy, which James enjoyed.

James leaves to mourn his loss and celebration of his life his wife, Rosemary Clark; his children: James Clark, Jr., Donzell Clark (Doris), Loretta Clark, Henrietta McCaston (Rannie), Veronica Clark, all of St. Louis, Missouri, and Natan Mosley-Clark of Gentry, Arkansas, and Florene Chambliss of Cleveland, Ohio; sisters-in-law: LaVerne Harris of Omaha, Nebraska; Sally Clark of East St. Louis, Illinois; Rose Clark, Jerri Clark, Patricia Clark, and Lois Clark all of Cleveland, Ohio; and Wanda Sue Clark of Augusta, Arkansas; Ruthie Jones from Belleville, Illinois, and Azelia Matthews from East St. Louis, Illinois; his brother-in-law: Anthony Matthews from East St. Louis, Illinois; his uncles : Arthur Roddy (Rose), Pat Roddy Jr., and Edward Forest Roddy, all from Los Angeles, California; his aunts: Helen Jean Taylor from Los Angeles, California; and Eunice Roddy Murray (Donald) from Searcy, Arkansas; 20 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.