James Joseph Clarke Jr.

He was born in Newton, MA and attended Our Lady Help of Christians Schools in Newton.

He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth A. (Betty) Clarke; his late daughter Diane Sheridan (2001) and her children Jennifer Torrez of Visalia, CA and Moreen Sullivan and her husband Mike of Fort Campbell, KY; his daughter Jane Rebhan her husband Todd of Ludlow, VT and their children Ian Rebhan of Phoenix, AZ and Kelsey Rebhan of West Yarmouth, MA; his daughter Maryellen Johns of South Weymouth and her children Jacob Johns of Somerville, MA and Emma Johns of London, England. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Katelyn and Chloe Nichols and Ava, Ethan and Elsie Sullivan.

In addition to his daughter Diane, he is predeceased by a sister Mary E. Kelleher of Catonsville, MD and a brother H. William Clarke of Lusby, MD.

He proudly served with the U.S. Marine Corps and was with the First Marine Division in Korea. After his discharge, he attended Newton Junior College, and received his B.S. in Education from Boston University and later a Master’s degree from Bridgewater State College.

He began his teaching career at the John Simpkins School in 1959. He was also assistant principal of the South Yarmouth Elementary School and John Simpkins School. During this time, he was involved in the establishment of the program of the fifth grades spend a week at the National Seashore Park. At the time of his retirement, he was the Principal of the M.E. Small School in West Yarmouth.

He was often stopped by students who told him he made a difference in their life. A favorite is a framed essay that says, “If you be elected principal next year, I be the happiest boy on earth.”

He was the past commodore of the Lewis Bay Yacht Club and a member of the Hyannis Yacht Club, serving on the Race Committee for club functions. He enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, fishing and spending the winters after retirement in Florida, especially Pine Island.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Pavilon in Hyannis for their compassionate care. Following his wishes to silently slip away, services will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Cape Cod Times Needy Fund, 319 Main St., Hyannis, MA 02601.

To share a memory in celebration of Jim’s life visit https://www.doanebealameshyannis.com/