James Clark

James Clark, 82, of Decatur, passed away at home on Thursday, February 11, 2021. James was born July 16, 1938 in Garland, South Dakota to Hillery and Clara Clark. James grew up in Chicago where he met the love of his life, Bonnie Barr. James and Bonnie lived in Chicago for many years before buying a farm and moving to Decatur in 1978. James still traveled to Chicago for work throughout the week as a repairman and he also briefly taught heating and cooling at the prison in Joliet, IL. He retired from working in Chicago so he could be closer to home and he started his own business as an appliance repairman in Decatur. He then worked for Midwest Fasteners for many years up until his recent retirement in 2020. He was a handyman of all trades and there was nothing that he could not fix. James was devoted to The First Church of God in Decatur where he would often participate in sermons and enjoyed the company of his fellow church members. He truly believed and saw the good in all people and nobody he met was a stranger, but a friend. James was the type of person that we all should strive to become, which is loyal, honest and kind. He would help anyone and sincerely enjoyed doing so. James did so much good on this earth that he definitely earned his spot in heaven. James especially loved his family and always put them first. Family dinners were important to him and he loved to watch his great grandchildren play. He had an infectious laugh that would make anyone smile when you heard it and he will be greatly missed by many. James is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Loveland; his grandchildren, Joshua (Sarah) Docekal, Kelsie (Pete Golliher) Loveland, and Dylan Loveland; many great grandchildren; his siblings, Sharon Barnes, Pat Grimes, Virginia Nantz, Mike Clark, Dan Clark, Bill Clark, and Ron Clark; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Clark; and his sister, Martha Gallagher. A Celebration of Life service for James will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, February 20, 2021 at The First Church of God, 708 S. George St., Decatur, pastor Michael Heflin officiating.