Peacefully entered into eternal rest on June 16, 2024, surrounded by family and friends and while in the exceptional care of Lourdes Noreen McKeen Residence. James was born in Sligo on May 15, 1928, to his beloved parents Michael and Annie (Carney) Clarke. James grew up on a farm in Beltra with his siblings until 1948, when he immigrated to New York.
James was predeceased by his loving wife Rosemary (Blaney) Clarke in 1988, and by his loving wife Mary (Taylor) Clarke in 2018. James was also predeceased by dearest sister Mary McCarrick and brothers Felix, John and Michael Noel Clarke.
James loved dancing and traveling with Rosemary, and later with Mary. Together, they enjoyed nothing more than actively watching, encouraging and engaging their children - and ultimately their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wherever James was, it was certain that an Irish tune, dance, set of golf clubs and delicious home-cooked meal could be found nearby. James loved hosting and entertaining family and friends on both sides of the Atlantic. During the past few years, James was an active participant in son James Jr.’s Sligo-based sheep farming/lambing efforts; from his iPad in America, James closely monitored multiple camera views of the farm during all phases of the ewes maternal process. Indeed, James frequently called James Jr. and Sveta with valuable advice relating to any situation that might have presented itself. These calls were often made well before James Jr. and Sveta even realized that a situation had presented itself.
James, a proud veteran of the United States Army who served in the Korean War, never stopped missing his beloved Sligo and his adopted counties of Donegal and Roscommon.
James was a man of profound faith. The consistent, deep practice of James’ Christian faith and beliefs carried him through difficult periods during his earthly journey of over 96-years (these included sickness and loss). James’ faith not only inspired, but it also drew those who witnessed it into their own deeper faith journey. Indeed, it didn’t take long after first meeting James for one to see and appreciate both his kindness and the depths of his spiritual generosity.
James will be sadly missed by his heartbroken children Michael, James Jr., John, Rosaleen (Meyer) and Bill (Taylor); daughters-in-law Susan (Clarke), Svetlana (Clarke), and Anne (Taylor); son-in-law Edwin (Meyer); grandchildren Michael Felix, Matthew Thomas, Liam Henry and Nathí Ríain (Clarke); Kelley, Sean, Eddie, Kevin, and Taylor (Meyer); Ryan, Johnny and Shannon (Taylor); beloved niece Anne Marie McCarrick and nephews Padraic McCarrick (Amanda), Michael Tarrant, Jr. (Janet) and Edward Tarrant (Stephanie). James will also be deeply missed by many cousins, great- grandchildren and great- nieces, great- nephews and extended family living both in Ireland and the United States.
REST IN PEACE
Consistent with his wishes, James will be interred in Sligo at a future date. Information relating to memorial services in both the United States and Ireland is forthcoming.