James “Clark” Pinkerton II went to be with the Lord on June 6, 2011 in his home following an extended illness surrounded by family and loved ones.
He was born March 14, 1947 in Toledo, Ohio to James Clark and Betty Jane Pinkerton.
He was the third child and the oldest boy in the family of 6 siblings. He grew up on a farm near Martin, Ohio where he learned the disciplines of working hard and playing hard.
He graduated from Genoa High School in 1965 and went to Kent State on a football scholarship graduating with a degree in Geography and a minor in Geology in 1969.
He married Judith Anne Sidner that summer; they later divorced after 17 years. They moved to Colorado for Clark to pursue a Master’s degree. During that time he was drafted into the Army and became an Airborne Paratrooper in the 75th Rangers. He served in Vietnam. After Vietnam, he came back to CU and completed his Master’s Degree in Geography. He then moved to Helena and worked as a City County Planner for Lewis and Clark County. It was through this position that Clark met and made some of his closet lifelong friends. He then had his first child, Laura Elise in February 1975 and then later had James Clark III (Jay) in April 1978.
Clark became a realtor working for Ahmann Brothers, Broker’s First, Thompson Nistler and the Landmark Company where he retired in January 2010. He was also a member of the Last Chance Kiwanis. In 1987, he married Terrylea Madsen Reagor and was blessed with two step-daughters, Tami and Danielle, who he loved dearly and an extended family that meant so much to him. They were married for 13 years the last five of which he cared for Terry during her battle with cancer.
Although a carpet bagger from OH 10, he became a true Montana mountain man and loved camping, hunting, fishing and spending time at Rock Creek. He had many dear friends that he shared these activities with and instilled in his children and later grandchildren the love of the outdoors and throughout his life a love for the Lord. During his illness, especially the last month, Clark had time to reflect on his life and what was really important and made sure that he told us the important things to remember. He was amazed by all of the people who came to visit and called, not thinking himself worthy of such dedication although those who knew him were not surprised in the least. He was constantly giving the nurses a hard time and his sense of humor held through to the end.
While in Denver, a fellow patient put him on the bus with the Lord and he has reached his final destination and is now, “Standing tall and looking good” in Heaven leaving the rest of us to await our trip.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Terry.
He is survived by his loving children, Laura (Mark) Bennett of Helena, Jay (Jane) Pinkerton of Boise, Tami (Rich) Jost of Helena and Danielle (Ryan) Scharf of Bozeman; grandchildren, Walker, Drew, and Markie Bennett, Zoe, Ezekiel, Celeste, Anastasia, Elizabeth and Creed Pinkerton, Tyler and Jacob Jost, and Madsen “Madi” Scharf. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary “Beth” (Chuck) Grundmann of Colorado Springs, Diana “Sue” Nuckols of Toledo, OH, John (Norma) Pinkerton of Chesterland OH, Joel (Joanne) Pinkerton of Milbury, OH and Jeffery Pinkerton of Toledo, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many friends.
A Memorial Service in celebration of Clark’s life will take place Monday, June 13, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Tom Banks presiding. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Morningstar Fellowship, 1015 Poplar, Helena, MT 59601, woundedwarriorproject.org or God’s Love, 533 North Main, Helena, MT 59601.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Brea Ackerman says
Danielle, Tami, Jay, and Laura
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Love,
Brea
Dennis & Bea Burr says
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We thoroughly enjoyed our times together, especially our travels in Hawaii.
duane sander says
my deepest sympathy to clark’s family. He was a respected friend and classmate.
Sincerely,
Duane (class of 65, Genoa High School)
Gloria and Gary says
We are sorry for your loss. Gary and I have been tenants for 10 1/2 years, He was always kind and understanding, We will keep all his love ones in our hearts and prayers
Heather Baldwin says
Uncle Clark – you will be missed. A one of a kind person, and a Pinkerton until the end.
Jeanene Tjaden says
There are many people that I have met in my lifetime. Clark is one that will never leave my heart. What a legacy he has left behind, family that is so loving, caring and stood by him. I will keep my memories close, and you all close at heart as well. In time, I truly hope your hearts will heal from this loss. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure, and that is what Clark was, a treasure. Love, Jeanene
Jennifer Murray says
Laura, Mark, Jay and Jayne,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your families.
Love,
Jennifer and Justin
Kerisa (May) Armstrong says
Jay & Family,
You may not remember me but I went to school with you at Carroll College. So sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that God will comfort you with loving memories from the past.
Mike DaSilva says
Jay and Laura,
gI was very sorry to hear about Clark’s death. He was a good guy, always with a smile. I couldn’t go to the services, but you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Naomi Fleury says
Jay, Jane and the rest of your family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I know he left a big legacy here in Helena,
Love Thomas and Naomi Fleury and boys!
Rich Brockbank says
Clark will be missed by all that he knew. He was one of the good guys of this world. He was a gentle man who loved the lord. His bible was always on his desk at Landmark Company. Sports were a big part of his life. Try calling him when the Red Wings were playing. He would not answer his phone. They lost a huge fan. I know I will miss him a lot. We used to talk sports a lot at work and also on the phone. May you rest in peace Clark.
richard radcliffe says
so sorry for your loss he will be missed
Sandra Brockbank says
I will miss Clark. It always brightened my day to talk with him. I am sorry for the great loss to Clark’s family.
Sue Anderson says
late getting the news…thinking of you all. Hoping you are rest assured that it was your incredible support that gave him the last few years to enjoy his life with all of you. Peace.
Love,
Sue Anderson
Tom and Brigitte Kenny says
We are so sorry for your loss. Clark and Terrylea stayed with us in Seattle when Terrylea was undergoing treatment. Clark stayed in touch through letters which were about his family. He loved you all and was so proud of you.
He was a wonderful man. May he rest in peace. Tom and Brigitte Kenny
Tonna Strasko says
Laura and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I wish there were something I could do to help you with your pain.
Tonna and Joe Strasko
Valerie and Bob Raisch says
Clark was a wonderful person and we send our sympathy to all of his family and friends. I have many good memories of times spent with him at church when we lived in Helena.
God bless you all and may you find comfort in your faith knowing that you will be together again someday.
Paul C. Martin says
I Could not respond right away, maybe the hurt and loss was too fresh. I will miss Clark as my hunting and adventure friend as we camped together as families early and as couples later, from Rock Creek, (Moose Creek Campground) to Liard Hot Springs when we met 1/2 way between Eagle River and Helena. Every year after we moved back from Alaska to Montana we had a chance to chase pheasant, sharptail and huns in Central Montana, two old men acting like hunters … when we were out in a snowstorm in an old pickup looking at each other and giggling about what we might do if we got stuck? We never let the weather stop us, just drivin on I guess … I wish all your family respite and love from me and Linda too.