James Lamar Clark Sr.

Born in Silsbee, Texas Feb. 4, 1928. Moved to Longview at age 3. Parents: Daniel Curtis Clark & Mae Cammack Clark. Preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, D.C. Clark, Jr. & John Robert Clark and 1 sister, Joyce Clark. Survived by his wife of 68 years Clara Pickett Clark, 2 sons & spouses – Lamar & Patti Clark of South Lake, Texas and Ross & Cathy Clark of Santa Fe, N.M. 2 daughters & spouses – Cathy & Dave Thomas of Longview and Darlena Lynn & Mark Daniels of Georgetown, Texas. 7 grandchildren – Jeff Clark and Katie Clark Thurman, Brent Thomas and Clay Thomas, Paul Daniels and Sarah Daniels Clawson, and Bella Mae Clark. And 11 great grandchildren. During high school James delivered newspapers and telegrams on his bicycle and set pins at the Longview Bowling Alley. At age 16, he joined the Merchant Marines and on his 18th birthday he got off a ship in New Orleans and joined the U.S. Army Paratroopers where he served for 2 years in the occupation of Japan in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, making 13 parashoot jumps. He was very proud of his service to his country. The day he returned home to Longview from the Army, he met Clara Pickett and they married 11 months later in the First Baptist Church of Longview on February 19, 1949. James attended Kilgore College, graduated from East Texas Baptist College with a degree in education then received his master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin and a postgraduate science degree from U.T. Texas. He taught 4 years at Foster Elementary then 10 years at Forest Park Junior High, 9th grade Life and Earth Science and completed his teaching career in Special Education at Longview High School until his retirement in 1984. He spent 15 summers at Longview swimming pools teaching Red Cross swimming lessons and managing all the Longview pools. In 1957 his family was with the 99 who came out from the First Baptist Church of Longview to start Oakland Heights Baptist Church in Longview where he was still active until his health failed. He loved hunting and fishing especially taking his sons and grandsons with him. James taught them all how to safely handle a gun and how to hunt safely. His first Love was God, then his family and church. The family wishes to express their appreciation to all the caretakers, nurses and staff from Heartis of Longview for all their attentive Love and Care. A Funeral Service will be held at the Oakland Heights Baptist Church on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 10 am. The family would like to greet friends and relatives at the chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Longview from 6-8pm on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Benevolence Fund at Oakland Heights Baptist Church; the Highway 80 Rescue; or the Alzheimers Association.

James Lamar Clark Sr.

February 4, 1928 - March 15, 2017