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In Memory

Jim Clark VIEW PROFILE

Jim Clark

James Orville Clark, Sr. April 24, 1943 - September 24, 2018

Three pictures of Jim Clark


James Orville Clark, Sr. peacefully left this world after a courageous battle with cancer at his home in Bothell, Washington, surrounded by family.


Jim was born on April 24, 1943, to proud parents Thomas W. Clark, Jr. and Lavore E. Clark at the West Seattle Hospital, WA. In 1945, Jim moved to the Hollywood Hills area in Woodinville with his parents and older brother Tom. Brothers Bob and Dale were born into the family soon after. Jim attended Woodinville School through the 8th grade, and then Bothell High School, where he graduated in 1961.


When he was 19, Jim joined the Seattle Police Department as a cadet, and married his high school sweetheart, Jeanette Vonheeder. After rotating through several department positions, he was commissioned a Seattle Police Officer at 22.


Jim's first assignment was Patrol. As soon as possible, he joined the Motorcycle Division where he spent 15 years. Much of that time he performed with the Motorcycle Precision Drill Team at parades and various functions, including working with disabled children. In 1971 while still on bikes he was honored as Police Officer of the Month by Industrial Kiwanis Seattle. He completed his career as a Seattle Police Officer while assigned to the Harbor Patrol Unit on Lake Union for 14 years. Jim truly loved his long career as a policeman, despite being shot once and run into once in downtown Seattle. During his career, Jim also spent 15 years working off duty as a Security Guard for various banks.


Jim loved living in the Northwest, and his favorite pastime was driving: driving cars, driving trucks and RVs, and riding motorcycles. Jim, Jeanette and sometimes the three kids took many road trips. He also enjoyed traveling with Jeanette in their RV, crisscrossing the western United States.


In addition to cars, Jim had a life-long love for motorcycles. Beginning with a couple of smaller bikes, he progressed to a 1949 kick-start Harley in his late teens. He rode his many motorcycles in every direction possible, enjoying the peacefulness and beauty of Washington state. Jim and Jeanette also had a great motorcycle trip to Banff, Alberta, Canada.


Jim was meticulous in maintaining his various vehicles, which were many over the years! He loved trading vehicles and customizing them to his life style.


Above all else was Jim's role as a family man. This past July, he was able to attend the Clark family reunion in Anacortes, WA. Including Jim's 3 brothers, and knowing of his illness, 35 family members were there to celebrate.
Jim’s final days were attended to at his home by his wife Jeanette, daughter Cherie (RN), and sons Larry and Jim, Jr.


Jim will be missed by all who have known him. He was honest, sincere and respected.  A friend wrote, “Blessed are those who were given the ‘gift of Jim’ in their lives.”
 

Jim has passed on to join his parents Tom, Jr. and Lavore, his parents-in-law “Chuck” and “Vi”, and his brother-in-law, Ellis.


Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jeanette Vonheeder, their children - Larry (Clay), Cherie (Doug), Jim, Jr. (Sharon), grandchildren - Dylan and Melissa, and brothers - Tom III (Elaine), Bob (Jeri), and Dale. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.


Family and friends celebrated Jim’s life on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Eastside Foursquare Church, 14520 100th Ave NE, Bothell, WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.

 



Click here to see Jim's last Profile entry.