James Patrick Clarke Jr.

James was born August 11, 1943 to the late James and Grace Clarke. He grew up in Danbury, eventually joining the Army where he was stationed in Italy. After his tour of duty, he returned back to his hometown where he eventually met the love of his life, Laura. James and Laura soon married, and then had a son, Sean. Now with their family complete, they decided to move to the quieter, rural life in Sherman CT where James eventually began a long career with the United States Postal Service in New Fairfield CT.

Anyone who met “Big Jim” was greeted by his large booming voice and an even larger-than-life presence. He loved to make people laugh and even sometimes embarrass them for some good-hearted fun. He was a lover of knowledge and had wide and varied interests. James was a polymath in every sense of the word, fully conversant on nearly any topic under the sun, and equally comfortable talking to young people less than half his age or adults many years his senior.

His culinary expertise was also well known in the family, cooking nearly every dish for Thanksgiving for years, and always cooking for an army even if it was just for a few dinner guests.

James also took great pride in taking care of the family he loved so much, making sure they were provided for throughout his life, and then afterward once he had gone.

He was so much fun and entertaining, he will surely be missed by all. He is survived by his wife Laura, his son Sean and partner Katia of Sherman CT, his brother Robert and wife Cheryl of Goshen CT, his sister Pat of Tucson AZ, his brother-in-law Bill and wife Linda of New Milford CT, his sister-in-law Susan and husband Hank of Danbury, and numerous nephews, nieces, friends, and loved ones.

A graveside service will be held privately on Monday, May 2, 2022, at Coburn Cemetery, 68 Leach Hollow Road, Sherman, CT 06784