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James Clark Obituary
Retired Chief James E. Clark, 86, died peacefully on February 8, 2015, with Ruth and Jeffrey holding his hands after a valiant 6-week battle for life.
He was a former Elmhurst resident for 40 years where in 1965 he joined the Yorkfield Fire Department as a volunteer. He was promoted to Lieutenant in charge of Personnel Training in 1970. Jim had three careers and loved each one: 21 years with the CTA as a Switchman and then Yard Foreman, 21 years with the Village of Oak Brook Fire Department as Fireman, Lieutenant, Head of Inspections Bureau and from 1977 to 1988 as Fire Chief and Building Commissioner, and 21+ years as President of Metro Paramedic Services, a division of Superior Ambulance.
He worked diligently to have the Smoke Alarm Bill passed for the State of Illinois and was with Governor James Thompson in Springfield when the Bill was passed into law. Jim was so proud of that accomplishment. The Village of Oak Brook won the Fire Prevention Award for consecutive years due to the efforts of all the firemen, inspectors and officers of the Oak Brook Fire Department. Jim was President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, a devoted member of the DuPage Fire Chiefs Association, President of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational and Research Foundation, President and 35-year member of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, and Member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. (Note: All Fire Chiefs wives loved being part of the annual conferences all across the U.S.A.)
Beloved husband of Ruth A. nee Buerger for 61+ years; special dad to Jeffrey C., the late Richard J. "Rickey" and the late James V. "Jimmy" (Karen surviving); grumpy grandpa to Jessica, James, Paul and Krista Clark; great grandpa to Giadora and Rocco; son of the late Howard J. and Irene M. nee Schrage; son-in-law of the late Carl H. and Adeline Buerger Sr.; brother of Stella R. (the late Thomas) Napady and Margery L. (the late Floyd) Babbitt; brother-in-law of Carl H. (Helen) Buerger Jr. and Richard V. (Suzanne) Buerger; fond uncle of Susan, Lois (Tony), Charlie, Chip (Sarah), Deane (Mike), Betty (Bill), Dick (Elizabeth) and Audrey (Bob); great uncle to Ashley, Jack, Connor, Lexi, Zach, Jake, Luke and Dylan; great great uncle of Liam and Owen.
Jim served briefly in the U.S. Navy in 1946 and from 1951 to 1953 he was in the U.S. Army (Korean War) in the 712th Transportation Battalion (Railway).
Visitation at the Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2015, and at Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church, 314 W. Vallette, Elmhurst from 9:00 a.m. until time of Service at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2015. Private Interment Mt. Emblem Cemetery.
Memorials will be appreciated for Honor Flight Chicago, 938 W. Montana St., Chicago, IL 60614, or Operation North Pole, Inc., 50 W. Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Funeral info 630-834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Clark
Sponsored by Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - The Ahlgrim Chapel.
February 13, 2015
Dear Ruthie & Jeffrey, Please accept my condolences. I enjoyed working with Jim at Metro. Randy Price
February 13, 2015
Dear Ruth and Jeff, my prayers and sympathy are with you and your family. Tassie Kyriazes
Frank & Eve Trout
February 12, 2015
Ruth, Jeffrey and family, our sincere condolences from Frank and I. Jim was one special man. I know Frank has known Jim a very long time, but I was very privileged to have met and known Jim and yourself, Ruth all these years. Jim had a long, successful and wonderful career, something he, yourself and your family we're sure are very proud of. Jim made a big difference in the Fire Service and his legacy will live on forever. Wherever we were, whether it was a Fire function, or a party at someone's house, Jim was the life of the party. We'll miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Ruth. RIP Chief Jim Clark!
Phyllis Keller
February 12, 2015
Ruth,
David and Jim are toasting to good times together in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Phyllis Keller
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February 11, 2015
Dear Ruth and Jeff, You and your family have our deepest condolences on the loss of Jim. What a great career he had. I am so glad that I got to know him and will never forget how he helped me try to save a frog in my window here in Naples. I have and will continue to miss him. Lynne and Rich Semmel.
Dick & Ruth Bentel
February 11, 2015
We are so sorry to hear about your beloved "Jimmy's" passing. We had many good times with both of you.Jim was a wonderful friend to Dick. He will be missed by so many.
Jessica Clark
February 11, 2015
To the VERY BEST GRANDPA & MY GODFATHER
My words will never be enough to describe the type of man you were to me. To everyone.
You became my grandpa from the minute we met. I was about 7. You treated me like your own flesh and blood from day one. There was always something special I felt with you and I will never forget that bond we always shared. You always welcomed me with open arms and a smile that could light up ten dark skies. You're warmth , love and laughter was huge and contagious. It wasn't too hard to feel the love in your presence. I know a lot of people would agree.
I have so many sweet and tender memories about growing up with you., memories that any little girl would be lucky to have. Thank you for that.
I was lucky enough to work for one of the same companies that you retired from -- as a legend... No doubt. The countless times you had been spoken of with the greatest admiration and respect both professionally and personally - gave me an incredible feeling of pride as I walked through the same doors you did for 20+ years.
You're integrity is unmatched to ANYONE - You would have and did on numerous occasions give the shirt off your back to help someone. You truly are a hero and you leave a legacy that few will follow.
I'm proud to be your granddaughter. Extraordinarily proud.
I love you Grandpa.
Jessica Clark
February 11, 2015
My heartfelt condolence are extended to your family for theloss of your beloved one. May God provide your family with loving comfort, strength and support. Psalms 91:2
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Feb
12
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - The Ahlgrim Chapel567 South Spring Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Feb
13
Funeral services provided by:
Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - The Ahlgrim Chapel567 South Spring Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126
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Chicago, IL
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