BARTON - James E. Clark Jr. died Nov. 14, 2002, after a long and spirited battle with cancer.

In memory of Clark, a respected community member as well as youth and high school athletic coach for more than 20 years, his family and friends established the James E. Clark Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Clark was a beloved figure throughout the Georges Creek community because of the enormous difference he made in the lives of countless youth and their families through his involvement in athletics, church and community activities.

Each year, a Westmar High School Scholar Athlete who best exemplifies the character, integrity, leadership and values demonstrated by Clark will be awarded the James E. Clark Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Bobby Alkire was the recipient of the first award in 2003 followed by Dan Duncan Jr. in 2004, Amanda Ziler in 2005 and Rae Michelle Fazenbaker in 2006.

The Memorial Scholarship Fund relies on the generosity of family, friends, local businesses and community organizations.

Donations to the annual fund drive are welcome and may be made at or sent to the First United National Bank, Piedmont Office, 51 Ashfield St., Piedmont, WV 26750. Checks should be made out to the James E. Clark Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.

For further detail, contact Steve Clark at (937) 415-2336.

James Clark graduated from Valley High School in 1977 and was a standout baseball and soccer player for the Black Knights. He dedicated much of his life to area athletics and served as a coach for a number of area athletic teams.

He coached the Frostburg Farrady Post 24 American Legion team for the 1999-2000 seasons and served as the assistant coach for the 1998 campaign. He also served as the assistant baseball coach at Westmar High School from 1997-1999 and as the JV baseball coach in 1996.

In the spring of 2000, Clark assisted with the Westmar Girl’s Fastpitch Softball team. In 1998 he was the assistant coach of the Westmar boys soccer team. He also coached the Barton Mining team in the Cumberland Area Hot Stove Baseball program from 1996-1997.

His 1997 team finished as the Hot Stove Regular Season Division Champions and playoff runner-ups. He served as an assistant for the Boal’s Funeral Home team in the Cumberland High School Rec Baseball League during the 1998 and 1999 seasons, which resulted in championships both years. Clark also coached in the Georges Creek Little League Baseball program for many years and organized the Barton PeeWee and Little League Tournaments for several years.

He also served as president of the Barton Athletic Association. Clark coached basketball as well, serving as the head coach of the Westmar Boy’s 7th-8th grade entry in the Tri-County Middle School Basketball League in 1994-95.

Clark was an 18-year employee of the Mead-Westvaco Corporation and at one time served as a company representative for the County United Way Campaign. He was an active member of the Mill Run Grace Brethren Church in Barton. Jim was born Oct. 20, 1959.

His parents James and Barbara Clark of Barton; his wife of 24 years Kay (Symons) Clark and their two children, son James E. (Jamie) III and daughter Megan also of Barton survive him.

Source: www.times-news.com

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