James Parke Clark, 1901-1981

CLARK

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/27/2009 at 19:05:18

James Parke Clark, the son of Dr Charles and Mary McFarland Clark, was born 28 September 1901 at Ogden, Iowa and departed this life at Holy Family Hospital in Estherville, Iowa on 19 July 1981, Sunday at the age of 79 years, 9 months, 21 days. He received his early education in the Ogden Schools. He attended Grinnell College in Grinnnell, Iowa and received his medical degree at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He served on the Department of Surgery at the University Hospitals from 1925 until 1931. On July 12, 1930 he was united in marriage to Arlene Belding at Waucoma, Iowa.They came to Estherville in 1932 where Dr Clark practiced medicine until he entered the United States Army Medical Corp where he served in the European theatre from 1942 until 1945. He earned the rank of Major and was an Assistant Chief of Surgery while in the armed forces. he returned to Estherville after his service and was married to Josie Biederman Smillie on 30 Nov 1945 in Estherville. He continued to practice medicine until he retired in 1962. Dr Clark was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He served on City Councilman from 1964 to 1965 and was Mayor of Estherville, from 1966 until 1970.He received the Citizen of the Year Award presented by the Chamber of Commerce in 1979.He played a prominent part in many civic and community affairs. During his tenure as an Estherville physician, he had served as Chief of Staff at the hospital and held other staff positions.

Dr. Clark is survived by five sons, Dr Charles B Clark of Fair Oaks, California, James P. Clark Jr. and David A Clark , both of Estherville, Neil M. Clark of Arlington Massachusetts, and Steven S Clark of St Paul, Minnesota, two daughters, Nancy Clark Humphreys of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Marcia Clark Lipson of Bethesda, Maryland, and thirteen grandchildren. He has been preceded in death by both wives, a grandson and his parents.

Services at Presbyterian Church Estherville Iowa, 2 PM, Thursday 23 July 1981, burial Oak Hill Cemetery Estherville Iowa.

Contributed by: Shirley Vinsand.