James A. Clark

James A. “Eightball” Clark, 86 of Ontonagon, passed to eternal rest on Monday, July 27, 2020 at the Aspirus Ontonagon Skilled Nursing Facility with his wife and daughter at his side.

Jim was born in Ontonagon on November 8, 1933 to James H. and Esther (Skurr) Clark.  He attended Ontonagon Area Schools graduating with the Class of 1952.

He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served from July 9, 1952 – July 6, 1956.  He served aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Barataria (WAVP-381) as a Damage Controlman.  Over his working career, Jim was employed as a Welder at Horner Waldorf Corporation in Ontonagon from 1956-1971.  In 1971 he took a different path which led him to earning his Nursing Home Administrator’s license and employment with Maple Manor Nursing Center from 1972 until his retirement in 1995.  He is regarded by many of his former employees as “The Best Boss Ever.”

Over his lifetime Jim was an integral member of the Ontonagon Community, he served as the Village President (Mayor Clark) from March 1968 to March 1972 – it was during his term that the Ontonagon Memorial Hospital (now Aspirus Ontonagon) was constructed. He had volunteered his time for many years at St. Vinnie’s, was a dedicated member of the Holy Family Catholic Church and the Knight’s of Columbus.

On June 17, 1967 Jim married Kathryne (Budimir) in Duluth, MN.  For the next 53 years they made their home and raised their family in Ontonagon.

Jim is survived by his wife; Kathryne, children Robert (Debra) Clark, Ontonagon; Gina (Troy) Kasten, Ewen, Michael (Patricia) Clark, North Las Vegas NV. Sister, Mary Klups (Ontonagon); Grandchildren; Jessica (Brandon) Herrmann; Justin & Joshua Taylor; Stephanie (Mark) Pantti, Shana Norczyk, Mark Linna; Braxton and Kalynn Clark; Step Grandchildren; Chris Hill, Shannon (Brian) Kin; and Brittney Pirkola.  Great Grandchildren; Nicklas and Natalie Pantti, Sheyenne Parker. Aidan Rohr, Chelsie and Courtney Herrmann, Hudson and Amelia Taylor and Step Great Grands; Timmy and Hailee Kin, Marcus and Ryder Pirkola.  Grampa was always happiest when he could take the “kids” for a ride in his LeSabre for ice cream and a ride to Lake of the Clouds.  Oh the stories they could share.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Esther, First wife, Mary Jane (Moseler) Clark, Daughter, Deanna, Sister, Doris Clark, and Brother, Gerald Clark, along with numerous Brothers and Sisters in-law.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at the Holy Family Catholic Church on Friday, July 31, 2020.  Visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Michael Jacobus officiating. Please take note that the Church requires all visitors to wear a mask while inside of the church. Burial will follow at the Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Ontonagon.  A luncheon will follow at the family home 588 Alsace Ave.

Pallbearers:  Mark & Nicklas Pantti, Mark Linna, Braxton Clark, Brandon Herrmann, and Aiden Rohr.

Memorials in Jim's memory may be given to the St Vincent DePaul Society in Ontonagon.

Arrangements through Cane Funeral Home, Ontonagon.

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