October 26, 1942 – October 4, 2022

James Clark of Friendswood, Texas was born October 26, 1942, to Elmer and Stella Clark in Percilla, Texas. They, along with his brother, Eddie, welcomed him to his eternal home on October 4, 2022.

Left to grieve his passing are the love of his life, and wife of 56 years, Carol Jones Clark; sons and daughters-in-law, Jason and Kellen Clark, Sterling and Brandy Clark; daughter and son-in-law, Millie and Brian Battenfield; sister and brother-in-law, Doris and C.E. Reed; sisters-in-law, Margie Green and Joyce Simpson; sister-in-law and husband, Bonnie and Bob Tuey; brothers-in-law and wives, Ed and Brenda Jones, Charles and Denise Jones; beloved grandchildren, Connor Clark, Matthew Clark, Raegan Clark, Joshua Garza, Kelsey and Wes Vanecek, Cassidy and Jordan Saez, Claire and Tommy Willoughby, Katie Clark, Jacob Battenfield; treasured great grandchildren, Kayden Vanecek, Noah Garza, and Cecilia Saez; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers and friends.

When James was about five his family bought their first house in South Houston, Texas. He graduated from South Houston High School in 1961 and later earned a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of Houston. Over the years he worked in a wide variety of occupations. As a middle schooler, he delivered newspapers with his brother. As young adult, he ran a food truck and worked summers cleaning tanks at Shell Oil Company with his father. After graduating from college, he worked for Hunt Tool Co., was an inside salesman at Bearings Bearing Service and then a manager at Motion Industries. James valued hard work and was a born entrepreneur. He used his gifts to run a very successful business with Carol, Clark’s Drapery, for 18 years. After selling the business and “retiring” he started a second act career working at Southwest Airlines and was there for 18 years. During the span of some of that work, he also spent over a decade earning his Black Belt, competing in karate competitions, and teaching karate at Alvin Community College. His entrepreneurial spirit was sparked again when he started a karate program in West Columbia, Clute, and Lake Jackson. He took great joy in passing on his wisdom and was a positive influence, not only to his children, but to hundreds of students of all ages over the years.

James and Carol were married on August 20, 1966, after a blind date and short courtship. A few years later they welcomed the first of their 3 children, Jason in 1969, followed by Sterling in 1971, and then Millie in 1974. James’ children remember him as simply the best father one could have. He and Carol poured their hearts and souls into their children. They were always a team, and their first priority was always caring for the family they built.

James was a member of South Houston Masonic Lodge #1295 and later a member of Anson Jones Lodge #1416 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Friendswood. A 50-year Mason, he was first initiated as an Entered Apprentice in Lodge #1295 on January 6th of 1966. Upon satisfactory examination, he passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on March 1st of 1966 and was raised as a Master Mason on April 1st of 1966. His Master Mason's degree had the distinction of being conferred by the presiding Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas. He was also proud to be a member of the Scottish Rite.

James appreciated anything with a motor but had a lifelong love of motorcycles. He loved adventure and traveled all over the country multiple times. He took trips with Carol and with friends from karate and Southwest Airlines who either already loved motorcycling or picked up the love of riding from his enthusiasm.  He loved to read, learn, and build things. He even built a couple of trikes out of motorcycles and VW bugs. If he was not enjoying time with his family, he could be found in his garage either fixing something or building something, almost always for someone else.

He was generous, loving, devoted, kind, and taught us all well. We will celebrate his life on Monday, October 10, 2022 with a visitation at 11am followed by a service at noon at Jeter Funeral Home in Friendswood. Pastor Moe Mays will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate James’ life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at https://www.lls.org/

Condolences can be sent to: InLovingMemoryOfJames2022@gmail.com