The Rev. Dr. James F. Clark

I thank my GOD in all my remembrance of you. -- Philippians 1:3 The Reverend Doctor James Fulton Clark, 86, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away Monday afternoon, March 24, 2014, at the Davis Hospice Center. He spent his last evenings surrounded by loving family having long discussions in the fashion he had taught them. Born November 19, 1927, Dr. Clark was a man of many parts: musician, clergyman, philosopher, and family man. A Man of Music: Dr. Clark learned to play trombone from a very young age. During World War II he served as a trombonist in the US Army Ground Forces Band, traveling with General Eisenhower. Though he would set aside his instrument to heed the call of the church, he rekindled his love for the trombone after retirement. In the final twenty years of his life, Dr. Clark performed with ensembles of all sizes, including Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, The Salvation Army Band, City Band, LCCC Wind Ensemble, and Cheyenne Trombone Choir. A Man of GOD: A graduate of Princeton Seminary, he went on to serve as pastor in churches across the US. Dr. Clark became the senior pastor of Cheyenne First Presbyterian Church in 1978 and served the Wyoming Senate as Chaplin for four years. He also served as pastor for Torrington Presbyterian Church, Highlands Presbyterian Church, and as a circuit minister for many of the smaller communities in South-East Wyoming. Dr. Clark was a respected and popular figure in The Presbytery of Wyoming. A Man of Letters: Dr. Clark's zeal for creativity and learning led him to Denver University, and in 1977, he achieved a PhD in Philosophy, writing his thesis on Owen Barfield, - an accomplishment that resulted in his nickname "Doc." As an avid writer and thinker, a personally written poem, song, or philosophical treatise would mark every family occasion. For Dr. Clark, it was as Barfield said: To learn about the true nature of words was at the same time to learn about the true nature of things. A Man of Affinities: Born to Clarice Olive and Guy Fulton Clark in Independence Kansas, relationships and community were always paramount to Dr. Clark. His wife Mary was the nucleus of his world, and his three sons and their families radiated from that core. He was a noted community man, most particularly signified by his enthusiastic participation in the Cheyenne Frontier Days annual parades, riding in the Dr. Marcus Whitman carriage and by his many enduring friendships with people of all ages and walks of life. Jim will leave a space in the lives of those he has left behind, yet he gifted his family and friends with a model of intellectual curiosity, passionate inquiry, and a great love for the world God created. We honor him best by a dogged pursuit of knowledge, by philosophical reflection, and by sharing of our time and talents. "Thought and language are among the greatest gifts God has given us." -- Dr. James F. Clark A memorial service to celebrate the life of Dr. Clark will be Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Persbyterian Church. Cremation is under the direction of Schrader Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.schradercares.com or via post to 3235 Fir Drive, Cheyenne, WY 82001.

Service

Wednesday, April 23, 2014 2:00pm

First Presbyterian Church

220 W. 22nd St,.

CHEYENNE, WY 82001