James G. Clark Jr.

He was born Sept. 27, 1934, (on his father’s birthday) in Warren, Pa., to James G. Clark Sr. and Isabel K. Clark.

Jim grew up in Youngsville, Pa., and graduated from Youngsville High School in 1953. After high school he moved to Detroit, Michigan for a year to be trained in the field of auto industry sales and operations. He returned to Youngsville and worked with his father and older brother at the local car dealership. Jim obtained sole proprietorship of Clark’s Ford which was a loved and respected fixture in town for over 50 years. In 2011, he retired from and closed the doors of his business. After the business closed, he stayed active by volunteering for the Army Corp of Engineers Kinzua Dam at the Big Bend Visitor Center. He always enjoyed being with and helping people. Community was very important to Jim and he was an active force in his high school reunion committee keeping connection with his classmates throughout the years and having gatherings all the way through the class’s 60th year reunion and on. He also served as a member of the Warren County School District’s school board for a short time being the first member to represent Region 3.

In 1956, Jim married Barbara Ann Pierce in Warren, Pa. They were married for 64 years and their commitment, dedication, and passion for one another was a tribute of love to all who knew them. Jim was a member of Pittsfield Otterbein Church and was active there in many ways over the years. His unwavering love and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ made him a powerful influence as a youth leader. Jim found great value in building long lasting relationships. That authenticity of spirit caused him to have a great impact by sharing his passion for God with all he was around, wherever he was. When this particular season of life ended, he stayed active in affecting lives for years in various roles as a lay leader, head usher, and more. Within these different capacities he felt the importance of staying relationally connected to people not only at church but also in the community in which he lived and worked.

He enjoyed a diverse amount of hobbies and interests that fluxed and shifted over the years, but one thing that never changed was his devotion to his family. Being one of three brothers and then having three daughters revealed a playful but incredibly loving, tender soul. His three ‘dolls’ will always remember that term (one of many) as a warm, affectionate greeting that was spoken each time they talked. Even at the end when their names escaped him, they were always “his dolls”.

Jim is survived by his spouse Barbara of Youngsville, Pa.; his three daughters: Kimberly (James) California of Warren, Pa,, Julie (David) Blick of Youngsville, Pa., and Stacey (Michael) Robinault of Youngsville, Pa,; his two brothers: Robert Clark of Youngsville, Pa., and H. Dennis (Mary) Clark of Cranberry, Pa.; his 10 grandchildren: James (Heather) California, Kristi California (Kyle) Simpson, Benjamin (Liz) Blick, Randi Blick, Nathaniel Blick, Josiah (Kiara) Blick, Christian Blick, Alexis Robinault (Tom) Sharkey, Tobi Robinault and Riley Robinault; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and extended family. Jim was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many. Jim was a deep soul and he spent much time building genuine relationships with those in his life and community. He cared about people and spent many hours laughing and crying with them as they shared together their hurts and triumphs. If you ever stopped by his dealership and sat in his office to chat, you know he loved much and was much loved!

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, J. Gordon and Isabelle Clark; and his sister-in-law, Helen Clark.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to either Hospice of Warren County at hospiceofwarrencounty.com or Pittsfield Otterbein Church at 258 Dalrymple St., Pittsfield, PA 16340.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Youngsville have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at www.nelsonfuneralhome.net.