James Clark III

Jim was known for his warm, inviting smile and his happy-go-lucky attitude. He was a hardworking and caring man who treated everyone he met with an utmost degree of respect. Jim’s happiest moments always involved the time he spent with his family and friends.

James Clark Jr. and his wife, Jill (Thompson) Clark, welcomed the birth of their son, James Smith Clark III, on September 28, 1962, in Detroit, Michigan. Their blue-eyed baby boy warmed the hearts of everyone in the family, including his older sister, Betsy.

Jim’s father was an executive with Cadillac, which led the family to move around quite a bit, living in places like Minnesota, Oklahoma and Chicago. Jim was a typical boy, playing lacrosse, football and wrestling in high school and fishing in his leisure time. He also had an extensive collection of vinyl albums and a turntable, which he still had and cherished. His music collection included some of his favorite groups of Yes, The Doors, The Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd.

After graduating high school, Jim went on to attend Albion College in Albion, Michigan, where he met his wife; Ann. Jim played on the lacrosse team and wrote for the school paper as well as for a Battle Creek newspaper. He also enjoyed a stint at the school radio station, where he was able to share his eclectic musical tastes.

After college, Jim moved to the Ann Arbor area, where he and Ann were married in 1985. Jim started his career in sales and worked at several local car dealerships over the years. He served his community as a respectable businessman and because of this he had many loyal customers who loved and trusted him. Jim had a way of making everyone feel comfortable with his welcoming smile and cheery disposition.

A constantly cheerful man, Jim always found joy in pleasing others. He thoroughly enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his three children, whom he adored. He treasured each of their births as the happiest moments in his life. Jim was a simple man who enjoyed the splendors of nature particularly in northern Michigan. This was his favorite place, and he had spent many memorable summers there as a child and later taught sailing at the Boys and Girls Club in Bay View.

Jim will forever be remembered for his “boy next door appeal” and carefree disposition. He made everyone feel special and left his mark on all those he came in contact with. Jim was vibrant and caring and remained committed to his family and friends throughout his life. He will be deeply missed.

James Smith Clark III of Canton, MI, died on Monday, January 24, 2005. His family includes his former wife, Ann Bommarito; his three children: Amanda, Andrew and Alyssa; his loving companion, Vicki Malek, and her three children, Rachel, Alyssa and Kaila; his parents, James Smith Clark Jr. and Jill (Bob) Emmons; one sister, Betsy, (Jeff) Rousch; nephews and niece: Tom, AJ and Nicole Rousch; as well as a host of loving family.

Friends may spend time with Jim’s family at the Nie Life Story Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, on Saturday, January 29, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Please visit Jim’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to an educational fund for his children, with contributions made payable to the family.