James Ira "Jim" Clark

February 26, 1959 - September 28, 2018

FORT MCCOY, FL - James Ira “Jim” Clark, age 59, of Fort McCoy, Florida, formerly of Greenfield, passed away at his home on Friday, September 28, 2018. Born on February 26, 1959, Jim was the son of the late James W. Clark and Alberta (Clark) Sams. He graduated from New Palestine High School in 1977. He worked in the food services sales industry for 40 years. He was co-owner of Salem Foods. In 2011, his sales volume and tireless work ethic earned him the prestigious distinction of Foodservice Rep of the Year, as well as Sales Rep of the Year for Troyer Foods. He was a proud member of the Top Gun Academy, Frosty Acres Buying Group, and Tyson Academy, and IBP Meat Management. Jim was a private pilot, enjoyed watching IU basketball and football, playing golf, and watching racing. One of his greatest joys in life was coaching. He was heavily involved in youth football, baseball, basketball, and softball. He ran multiple youth leagues and started a girls youth softball program in Salem, Indiana. Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren – he adored being “Papa.” Jim will lovingly be remembered by his mother, Alberta Sams of Greenfield; daughter, Brittany (Michael) Rittman of Greenwood; son, Craig R. Clark of Salem; sisters, Tina (Mike) Jackson of New Palestine, Donna (Carter) Riley of Middleton, Diana (David) Johnson of Greenfield, Jodi (Josh) Oliver of Edinburg; brother, Louis (Jerrie) Sams of Madison; stepmother, Cheryl Clark of Flat Rock; three grandchildren, Jayden, Kellan, and Brynn; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, James “Jim” “Bud” Clark; and stepfather, Ray Sams. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation at 3:00 p.m. at the mortuary. Memorial donations in memory of Jim may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231 - envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.