James Clarke

James Richard Clarke was born in Watford, England, to his parents Beverley & Terry Clarke. He carried the names of his Great Grandfather, Frederick Richard Wolstenholme, his Grandfathers Albert James Nichol & Richard Clarke and also his father’s middle name. He was much wanted and very much loved.

Two years later he was joined by his sister Holly, to be part of a very happy and loving family.

When he was 8 years old the family moved from the London area to the North West of England and settled in the village of Beetham. Here James led a busy and happy life, learning to play the guitar and piano and progressing to brown belt in Kung Fu.

1996 was a year of great change when his Dad was offered a job at the Reebok offices in Massachusettes and the family moved to the town of Hanover. James quickly made friends and began to enjoy life in a new country, attending middle school and then Hanover High.

James was a highly intelligent youngster, but struggled with motivation and found it hard to accept formal schooling.

After school James returned to the UK and embarked on a series of different occupations and although he was successful with his painting & decorating business, the pull of the USA was too strong and in 2009 he returned to the USA and to the arms of his one true love, Leah. Along with Leah’s daughters, Lucy May & Betty Jane, they settled in Rockland and were soon married that April.

August 2010 saw the arrival of Mylo, a much loved son who completed their family.

The following years proved challenging for James as he struggled with his mental health, however throughout this time he loved and cherished Leah and the children.

James had strong views on most things and loved to debate and discuss all kinds of topics, sometimes being purposely provocative! However, his sense of humour and original thinking made him a very special person, instantly likeable and popular.

James had a strong bond with his mother, especially in their shared love of the arts. He also shared a love of music with his father, discovering new bands and singers like a pair of teenagers.

A day out at the beach with his family or fishing with Mylo, were the simple pleasures he enjoyed most and will fondly be remembered by all his loving family and friends.

A Poem by David Harkins

He Is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone

Or you can smile because he lived

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back

Or can open your eyes and see that he has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him

Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can remember him and only that he is gone

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.