James Clark
July 26, 1949 – May 26, 2020
James “Jim” Robert Clark, 70, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at his home in Moses Lake, Washington from stage 4 colon cancer, with his devoted wife and children by his side. With the attentive care of Assured Hospice of Moses Lake assisting greatly, he remained at home until he passed.
Jim was born on July 26, 1949, to Robert Lee and Virginia Opal Clark in Louisville, Kentucky, and he is preceded in death by both of his parents. The oldest of five children, he was raised in Louisville where he graduated from Seneca High School. Jim enlisted in the Air Force and served our country for six years. While stationed in Belton, Missouri, he met the love of his life and best friend Rachell Steffler in church in 1969. They were united in marriage on April 26, 1969, and most recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. Through both the good and difficult times, they remained best friends and have supported each other through many health battles. They lived in Louisville for 10 years and they started their family with three children: Suzie, Chris, and Brian. The family relocated to Moses Lake, Washington, and have resided there for 40-plus years. During this time, the family expanded with the addition of three more children: Korey, Cortney, and Ally. Jim and Rachell were also foster parents and touched countless young lives.
Jim is survived by his wife Rachell; children Suzie Gosch (Kevin) of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, Chris of Moses Lake, Brian (Leah) of New Albany, Indiana, Korey (special friend Breeze) of Goodyear, Arizona, Cortney and Ally, both of Moses Lake; grandchildren Tiffany, Lexie, Keegan, Ella, Christopher and Ashton and siblings Gary, Debbie, Gail and Mike along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends that were like family. He will most be remembered for his huge heart and the abundance of love that he had to share. He was happiest at home, especially when being surrounded by the people he loved. There was never a shortage of laughter and fun around him and he took to, and loved, everyone who ever needed a dad or friend.
Jim worked at Basic American Foods for 40 years. He never met a person that did not genuinely enjoy his jovial, humor-filled personality. And he was very funny, even when he wasn’t trying to be. If you were lucky enough to be part of his inner circle of family and friends, he was the most honest, loyal and selfless friend that anyone could ask for. He had a way about him of making friends into family. Dad had the sweetest southern Kentucky charm and he knew how to use it with the ladies. He was especially good at charming one particular lady, his best friend of 51 years Rachell. Every time he was hospitalized, he was every nurse’s favorite patient. He was a role model husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend. His larger-than-life attitude, dynamic personality, and squinty, blue-eyed smile will never be forgotten!
He truly was one of the smartest people that we have ever known, and his love of reading has made him into a genius! Yep, our dad was so intelligent, and you could easily sit for hours and listen to his enormous wealth of knowledge. His most important goal in life was to provide for, protect and love his family. Dad had a passion for football and most of all a love for the Seattle Seahawks. He was responsible for many fantasy football teams and loved to be the “arranger” of many football contests. He was a stellar cook and could create a masterpiece second to none. People would ask for his recipes, but he would just chuckle and ignore the request. He was simply never finished refining his cooking! His successes and values were based upon the mantra of a handshake is contractual, don’t do anything halfway and never be late. His hard work, dedication and teaching style were an example for all who were blessed to know him. Always prideful, and sometimes ornery, you always knew where you stood with Jim. He will not only be forever in our hearts, but in the passenger seat of the car and life; helping Mom not to hit the curbs, bumps, and problems in life. We will always love and miss you, Dad. He is now in the arms of his loved ones who have gone before him. How lucky we are to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard! A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date.