Paid Notice: James E Clark, a lifelong resident of East Hampton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19th, with his two daughters, Tracy Clark-Cherry and Marilyn Clark, at his side.
James was born in Southampton to Ethel and Charles Clark and grew up in East Hampton on McGuirk Street. From an early age, he distinguished himself as a gifted athlete, playing on East Hampton High School’s 1952 undefeated football team and Suffolk class champions 1953-54 basketball team. He was also a longtime ocean lifeguard, starting at Main Beach at 16 years old, a role that reflected both his strength and his deep love of the water.
He met his beloved wife, Carole Luidens, while attending the University at Buffalo. They returned to East Hampton to build their life together, and for 66 devoted years they shared a marriage filled with love, partnership, and laughter until her passing in April 2025. In a poignant and fitting symmetry, James passed away on Carole’s birthday.
From 1966 to 1991, James taught industrial arts and later mechanical drawing at East Hampton Middle School. He formed enduring friendships with his fellow teachers and took great pride in his students. Decades later, he could still recall their names and stories.
James was a man of extraordinary skill and quiet mastery. Whatever he set out to do, he did well. He crafted fine furniture, built boats, and was involved in boatbuilding at the East End Classic Boat Society in Amagansett. He loved fishing and tied delicate, beautiful flies — remarkably intricate work for hands so large and strong. In 1983, he built a detailed dollhouse replica of Home Sweet Home that was auctioned to benefit the Ladies Village Improvement Society and also refurbished a 1927 doll house for the 1992 auction.
His curiosity and talents extended in every direction: beekeeping, archery, yogurt and beer making, organic gardening. He was happiest outdoors — canoeing, kayaking, boating, or body surfing in the roughest surf.
A devoted lover of nature, James raised and released a fox, a crow, and a raccoon back into the wild. A one-legged seagull he named “Bub” came to his doorstep daily for 12 years, and James never failed him. He fed the birds every day; if he was late, a turkey would peck at the glass door in reminder.
James was, above all, a remarkable man — capable, kind, steady, and deeply loving. His life was rooted in family, community, craftsmanship, and the natural world he cherished. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, devotion, and a life beautifully lived.
He is also survived by his sons in law Michael Cherry and Jaime Lopez and his grandchildren Raquel and Alexandra Lopez and Cam and Ben Cherry. He is predeceased by his sister Denise Fortman.
Visitation will be Friday February 27th from 4:00-7:00 at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home, 94 Pantigo Road, East Hampton.
