James Clarke

James (Jim) Clarke, 76, surrounded by family, passed from this life into eternal glory on Tuesday, April 8th, 2014. The world will never be quite the same for those of us who knew him well. He was a man of honor and integrity, cloaked in humility, heroic in his quiet strength and giving ways, and forever loyal to his family and friends. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Pam; daughter and son-in-law Angel and Greg Allen and grandsons Tanner, Tucker and Tate; his sister and brother-in-law, Candy and Bill Aldridge; his sister-in-law Emily Clarke; and a host of cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews. He has been welcomed into Heaven by his mother, Mary Clarke; father-in-law, G. K. Tanner; his brother Bob Clarke; and sister-in-law, Penny Clarke. Born in Bay Minette, Alabama on November 10th, 1937, he and his family eventually made their way to San Antonio, Texas where he spent most of his younger years, going to school and college, and later enlisting in the Marines. Being a Marine is something that defined Jim the rest of his life. He worked as an architect in Houston after leaving the Marines, and his work is seen throughout Houston and South Texas. A longtime member of First Colony Church of Christ, Jim served his Lord faithfully and made many special friends as he exemplified the love the Christ. He loved history and especially enjoyed delving into the biblical years. Being a Christian was another defining part of his character and bumped him up to being a real hero to those who knew him. Jim was a car fanatic. He raced BMW's during a season of his life and won many trophies. He loved to grow his own vegetables in earlier years and was a self-taught chef who made many wonderful meals for friends and family. His kitchen was his one territorial spot. He didn't like to share it very often and there were no ingredients he couldn't turn into a culinary masterpiece. Jim loved his Lord, his wife, Pam, and his daughter, Angel, as much as any man could love. They were a big purpose in life for him. Angel's marriage to Greg brought a new season and a new name to him, PaPa. The 3 grandsons - Tanner James, Tucker James, and Tate James - were his life's joy the last 19 years. In 1999, Jim was diagnosed with a chronic lung disease. He lived fiercely and bravely throughout. Complaining was not an option for this Marine. He received the gift of life with a double lung transplant in July, 2010. The Twins (his new lungs), Huff and Puff, did not resolve all of Jim's health issues, but family and friends were blessed with nearly four additional years to serve Jim, but being served ourselves in witnessing the joy and wit of Jim as he battled through. He was an inspiration for us all and left an indelible imprint on our lives. He made us look inside ourselves and question what's really important and to always fight to the end bravely, courageously, while glorifying God no matter how rough the road. He was God's definition of a real man. He never looked for praise, just looked for someone who might need a little praise or a hug. And he gave out lots of those. Just wish he could give us one more. We were reluctant to say good-bye but rejoice he is now well again and in the arms of Jesus. Until we meet again, Jimbo, you will be sorely missed. Visitation will be at 5:00pm and service at 6:00pm on Sunday, April 13th, 2014, at First Colony Church of Christ in Sugar Land, Texas. Donations to honor Jim may be made to Lifeline Chaplaincy, a ministry that supports the patients, families and friends in the medical center. www.LifelineChaplaincy.org. Semper Fi, dear Marine. (Always Faithful, Always Loyal)