James M. Clark Jr., 87, of Princeville, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2025, at his residence.

Jim was born on December 27, 1937, in Wilson, Arkansas, to James M. and Rosa Woolridge Sr. He married Shirlee Miller in 1956 in Pontiac; she passed away on October 26, 2024. He was also preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by two sons, Jeff Clark and Dan Clark, both of Princeville; two daughters, Victoria Martin of Peoria, Illinois, and Susan Draper of Van Alstyne, Texas; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and two sisters, Maxine Long of Houston, Mississippi, and Faye Sammet of Texas.

Some people make a positive difference in our lives. James Miller Clark was one of them. Known by many names like Jim, Bud, Dad, PaPa, Grandpa, and Great Pa, he showed us how to live by his actions. He worked hard, was brave, had strong faith, loved his family, and always made us laugh. He made a difference in our lives in so many ways.

He created lasting memories and taught us life skills—leaving treats in his lunchbox for us to find, taking family trips, coaching, hunting and fishing, bowling, playing cards, and working side by side. If we needed him, he knew and showed up. Providing for his family was important to him, and he did so in many ways throughout his life.

His vivid stories will echo in our hearts, and his absence will be felt every day. Yet, he lives on in our memories, in the lessons he shared, and in the bright smiles and sparkling eyes we find in one another. Truly, his was a life beautifully lived.

At Jim's request, cremation rites have been held. The family will celebrate his life privately, and he and Shirlee will be inurned at Princeville Township Cemetery.