James L. Clarke, age 71, New London, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2016 at Aurora Specialty Care Hospital, West Allis, after a two-month illness.
He was born in Winterset, Iowa on January 23, 1945, son of Don and Eileen (Berry) Clarke. On June 11, 1966, Jim was united in marriage to Ellen Cooney at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, New London. They were blessed with four sons: Chad, Matt, Shane and Andy and three grandchildren, Bretly, Ashlyn and Braden. Jim graduated from New London High School in 1963. Jim served his country in the US Army from 1966-1968. He was a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 400 Union for 31 years. He loved all things outdoors, especially gardening, hunting and helping his brother-in-law on the farm. He was a member of Most Precious Blood Church, a Eucharistic Minister, served on the parish pastoral council and was very involved with church and school activities for many years. Jim was a member of the Shamrock Club of New Dublin, served as past president and was honored to be the “Irishman of the Year” for the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day festivities. He was also a hunter education instructor for many years.
He is survived by his wife Ellen; sons: Chad (Dawn), Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey; Matt (Heather), Las Vegas, Nevada; Shane, New London and Andy (Mary) New London; grandchildren, Bretly, Ashlyn and Braden Clarke. Jim is further survived by his sisters, Jane (Chuck) Gorges, New London; Janet Mikkelson, West Bend; brothers, Carl (Joyce), Tell City Indiana and Don (Chris), Fillmore, California; brother-in-law, Terry Cooney, New London; sisters-in-law, Jeanne (Walt) Crivello, Lake Barrington, Illinois; Susan (Dennis) Huss, Kimberly and Mary (Scott) Hanadel, New London and also nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law, George and Anne Cooney; brothers-in-law, Larry Wolfe and Tim Erickson and a sister-in-law, Anne Erickson.
The Mass of Resurrection for Jim will be celebrated on Wednesday, February, 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Precious Blood Church with Fr. Tom Long officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London and also at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the Most Precious Blood Cemetery, Military Honors will be held. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com