James "Jim" R. Clark

James Robert Clark, age 74, of Interlochen, Michigan and formerly of Grand Rapids passed away on Saturday October 4, 2025 at his home in Interlochen. Jim was born December 5, 1950 in Wayne County Michigan to the late Robert and Isabel Clark. Jim was the youngest of three and moved with his parents to Louisiana and two sisters when he was an infant. The family eventually returned to West Bloomfield, Michigan where he graduated from Bloomfield Hills High School, attended Western Michigan University, and obtained his architectural degree from Lawrence Technological Institute. Jim married the love of his life Sandi Clark on September 15, 2001. Jim loved volunteering and working in the community supporting multiple development projects, including project manager for the construction of two fire stations in Benzie County. He was an avid gardener and achieved Master Gardener status 25 years ago. He had a true green thumb. Jim volunteered at the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City, serving on the renovation of Historic Barn 206 and as part of the ground’s maintenance crew known as the “Possums”. He also served as project manager for the Children’s Sensory Garden at the Botanic Garden. Jim was deeply connected to nature and the Botanic Garden was his heart’s project. Jim was a practicing black belt Aikido Shodan and Kripalu yoga instructor for many years. Jim loved the Lions and Tigers and enjoyed science fiction stories, especially Star Trek and The Big Bang Theory. He enjoyed collecting knives, swords, models, and old movies he liked to transfer from VHS to DVD. He also enjoyed working with his hands on a variety of different projects and would spend time in his workshop, his man cave, and the garage working on his John Deere tractor. He truly enjoyed his card-playing cohort and was always ready for a game. Jim was a loving father and husband, a true friend, and will be missed. From his first marriage to Debra Miller, he leaves behind daughter, Shannon Clark, son, Brian Clark (Dana) and grandchild, Fiona. Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 24 years Sandi Clark and extended family daughter, Jen Mathews, son, Bryan Bauml, grandchildren, Casha (Larry) Sizemore, Lexie (Evan) Kinder, Devon Mathews and Cameron Mathews, as well as great grandchild, Bryson Mathews. Jim is survived by his two sisters, Karen Clark and Nancy Krempely (Phillip) as well as nieces, Rene, Tiffany, Lindsey, and nephews, Wyatt and Grayson. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Isabel Clark, and his son-in-law, RJ Mathews. Per Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place. An open house and informal celebration of Jim’s life will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, Upper Level, 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Please gather with us to celebrate Jim and share your memories. Refreshments will be provided. In lieu of flowers, those planning a memorial contribution may wish to consider the James Clark Memorial Fund at the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City is in charge of arrangements.

James "Jim" R. Clark

December 5, 1950 - October 4, 2025