James Joseph Clarke

James was born on August 31, 1952 in Mobile, Alabama. He was raised in Waynesboro, Mississippi and was a graduate of Waynesboro Central High School. James married Sheryl Hollingsworth in 1971 and together they had two children, Shelley and Jody. In 1978, they moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where they raised their family. James was a successful businessman, having worked at Bell Supply Company and Accent Business Products, and retired as a purchasing agent for the City of Fort Myers in 2009. After enjoying many years vacationing at their cabin in North Carolina, Sheryl also retired and they moved to North Carolina full time. Recently, James and Sheryl moved back to Florida and had been residing in Pensacola.

James was the proud Papa of three grandchildren – James, Jordin, and Keaten. He was a kind, compassionate, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. James treated everyone he met with the utmost respect, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him knew him for his genuine love, kindness, and humor. The life he built with his wife Sheryl was and forever will be admired by many. He had a way of making the entire room laugh with a witty joke or silly dance. The memories he helped create will sing in his family’s hearts and be a constant reminder of how passionately he loved and cared for everyone. James was a selfless man, and always put his family and friends’ needs above his own. He will be greatly missed.

James is survived by his loving wife Sheryl, daughter Shelley, son Jody, daughter-in-law Ashley, his grandchildren James, Jordin and Keaten, sisters Catherine Marie and Jackie, as well as nieces, nephews, and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary-Agnes Clarke, father Russell Clarke, sister Leta Johnston, and nephew Shawn Taylor.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 1-3pm at Eastern Gate Memorial, 1985 West Nine Mile Road, in Pensacola.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.EasternGateMemorial.com for the Clarke family.