James McClure Clark ’39

Widely respected as a community and government leader, Jamie died Apr. 13, 1999, at his apple farm in Fairview, N.C. After WWII service with the Navy in the Pacific, he returned to western North Carolina, where he worked in the Farmers Federation Cooperative, becoming president in 1956. He was associate editor of the Asheville Citizen from 1960-69, then assistant to the president of Warren Wilson College until 1981.

His interest in politics began when he was chairman of his county school board. Then came three terms in the North Carolina general assembly and three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jamie was a determined advocate for the environment. In 1984 he drafted the North Carolina Wilderness Act, which designated approximately 68,000 acres of National Forest land as wilderness. In retirement he served on the boards of several service organizations including the N.C. Environmental Defense Fund.

Married in 1945, Elspie and Jamie counted love, faith, service, and friendship the most important things in life. They loved and enjoyed their two daughters and six sons (two deceased) and 19 grandchildren. We join Elspie, their family, and the legions of those whose lives Jamie touched in celebration of his selfless life.

The Class of 1939