James Maurice Clark, 93 of Hampton, Virginia (formerly of Dover, DE and Boston, MA), passed away peacefully on March 7, 2016. He was born in Medford, Massachusetts on December 1, 1922 to the late John Edward Clark and Mary Loughlin Clark. His five siblings---Mary Connors, Julia Ramsdell, John Clark, Lawrence Clark and Hugh Clark -- also preceded him in death.
Mr. Clark attended Medford High School and graduated in the Class of 1940. After his high school years, he was employed as an electrician in the Boston, Massachusetts Navy Yard working on U.S. Naval ships during the early war years until October, 1943 when he joined the U.S. Navy and served the Allied war effort in the South Pacific. Mr. Clark saw action at Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. He cherished his years in the Navy and his service to our country. He was a true patriot.
Prior to his enlistment, Mr. Clark met his true love, Louise Frances Cadigan of Dorchester, Massachusetts. They married after his return from World War II on January 19, 1946 and were married for over 52 years before his beloved "Irish" passed away in 1998.
Mr. Clark held various construction jobs after World War II before being hired by Walter Baker Chocolate Company in Dorchester, Massachusetts (later a division of General Foods Corporation). In 1964, General Foods moved the company to Dover, Delaware where he worked until retirement in 1978. In 2009, he moved to Hampton, Virginia to be near his son Danny and his family. While living in Virginia, he enjoyed life at The Devonshire assisted living community in Hampton, where he will be missed by the caring staff and his many good friends.
An avid sports fan, he has followed Notre Dame football since the age of 7. He could quote the starting lineups of Notre Dame teams as far back as the 1930's. He also loved his favorite hometown team, the Boston Red Sox and was an antique automobile fan.
Survivors include his three sons, James P. Clark and his wife, Eleanor F. Clark of Duxbury, Massachusetts, Michael H. Clark and his wife, Patricia L. Clark of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Daniel K. Clark and his wife, Elizabeth P. Clark of Hampton, Virginia. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Matthew J. Clark, Cary Frances Clark Mackey and Edward J. Clark and two step-grandchildren Kelley Vivian and Michael Davitt. He was also blessed with one great-grandchild, William James Clark.
Mr. Clark was a true gentleman, admired by all who met him, and many enjoyed his charming wit. He will be missed by family and friends alike. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 South State Street, Dover, Delaware 19901.
The family will receive friends at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 Armistead Avenue in Hampton, VA from 3 to 5 PM on Sunday, March 13, 2016. There will be a reception for friends of the family from 5 to 7 PM at the home of Dan and Betsy Clark. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church in Dover, DE at 10 AM on Tuesday, March 15, 2016.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff and medical professionals of The Devonshire, Riverside Regional Medical Center and The Newport Rehabilitation Facility for the special care they provided to Mr. Clark in his last days. Also, a special thanks is extended to Dr. Lawrence Hyman, Samantha Cherbony and Terrie Galay for the care and love they provided to Mr. Clark during his years as a resident in Virginia.