James (Jimmy) LaFayette Clark, Sr., 87, of Dalton, GA, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, August 28, 2013, at Hamilton Medical Center.
Jimmy was born on June 19, 1926 in Dalton to the late Henry Clifton and Willie Johnson Clark; and was also preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Romye and Caldwell Walraven; and his brother, Dallas Clark.
Jimmy graduated from Dalton High School and Emory University, where he was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity. He was also a veteran having served his country in the United States Navy. For ten years, he worked for WBLJ radio station in Dalton. Prior to his retirement Jimmy was the founder and President of Clark, Davies, and Easley Insurance Company.Jimmy will always be remembered by those who knew him for his self-less and sacrificial love for and dedication to his family.
Jimmy lived a life of service and dedication to his Church, the First Baptist Church of Dalton. For more than twenty-five years he served as the Church Organist. His love and support for the music ministry of the Church continued and grew even after his leaving that position. He was also an ordained deacon and served as the Church Clerk at First Baptist. Jimmy was instrumental in the creation of The First Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization created by the Church to provide funding and ministry to a variety of missions, education, and Church facility needs. Jimmy served as the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Foundation and was recently named as a Trustee Emeritus of the Foundation. He and Betty Ann were also active members of their Sunday School class. He also served in other capacities at any time that he was called upon by the Church.Jimmy’s love for his community also showed itself in many acts of service and volunteerism. He was active in the Elks Club and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He also served on the Dalton Downtown Development Authority. An active member of the Civitan club for more than fifty years, Jimmy served as the Governor of the Georgia District North for Civitan.
Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Ann (Betty Ann) Callaway Clark; his daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Jon Rackley; his son, James L. Clark, Jr (all of Dalton); his grandchildren, Lauren Clark (Denver, CO), Molly Clark (Athens, GA), Meral Henton (Athens, GA), and Colby Henton (Dalton); his sister-in-law, Mrs. Dallas Clark; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Jimmy Clark will be held on Friday, August 30, at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church. The Reverend Dr. Bill Ireland, the Reverend Dr. Billy Nimmons and Reverend Phillip Cannon will officiate the service. Burial will be in West Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends in the Atrium of First Baptist Church of Dalton (311 North Thornton Avenue) from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, August 30.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The First Foundation, Inc. of First Baptist Church of Dalton, P.O. Box 827, Dalton, GA 30722.
Love Funeral Home, 1402 North Thornton Avenue, Dalton, (across from Hamilton Medical Center), is in charge of arrangements.