James Arthur Clark

James Arthur Clark

James “Jim” Arthur Clark of Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska, passed away on April 7, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Jim was born on July 2, 1931, in Midwest, Wyoming, to Jess and Carmen Clark later moving to Tacoma, Washington when Jim was 11. He graduated from Stadium High School, lettering in both football and swimming as well as being in the Sea Scouts sailing around the sound.

In 1950 Jim joined the United States Navy. He was a Korean War Veteran, honorably discharged in 1954 after serving on the USS Dixie and USS Dionysus.

Jim married Charlene Larson in 1951 and they had two children, Debra and Larry. On February 22, 1963, he married Virginia “Ginny” Bergman who had two daughters, Jeri and Jorgia, and they later had two children of their own, Barry and Tiffany.

In 1974 they moved to Alaska, where they lived for the last 47 years. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying camping, boating, and everything Alaska offered.

Jim lovingly took care of Ginny when she fell ill with Alzheimer’s. He sought help from and became an advocate for Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, fundraising for them and speaking at events. Jim traveled out of Alaska during the winters staying in his motorhome. He was able to take one last trip. The Last Frontier Honor Flight takes Veterans back to Washington D. C. to visit the War Memorials. It was during this trip that he was finally able to lay the ghosts of the Korean War behind him.

Jim was preceded in death by Ginny, his loving wife of 49 years; his parents, and his sister, Wanda Buonomo. He is survived by his children, Debra Spencer, Larry (Sheila) Clark, Jeri (Jeff) Pacey, Jorgia (Janis) Plume, Barry Clark and Tiffany Morrison; 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Beverly Hallberg; brother, Wayne (Margie) Clark; as well as many nieces and a nephew.

Services will be held Thursday, July 1, 2021,11:00 am, at Church on the Rock, 3571 W Machine Rd Wasilla, Alaska 99654.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska at 1750 Abbott Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99507 or The Last Frontier Honor Flight, PO Box 875021, Wasilla, Alaska 99687.