James Russell Clark Sr.

James Russell Clark was born to Marilyn (Ott) and Robert Clark on September 21st,1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The only child of a real estate business owner and school teacher, Jim enjoyed a carefree, suburban upbringing in Mequon, Wisconsin. He was a precocious, intelligent student and talented athlete with a strong work ethic. He attended high school at the University School of Milwaukee, graduating in 1972. Jim’s enduring memories from his time there were of playing ice hockey in the Wisconsin chill, golfing at the local country club and inciting no small amount of mischief during summer vacations. Jim forged many lifelong friendships at the University School that he continued to tend up until the day of his death.

Encouraged by his mother to explore more distant horizons, Jim chose to attend Texas Christian University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Economics in 1976. At TCU Jim was a proud member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and a credit to his generation: a gentle rabble-rouser who was as likely to take a class studying Bob Dylan lyrics as economic game theory. The friendships Jim formed with his brothers in Phi Kapp would prove formative, their gravitational pull so strong they ultimately lured Jim back to Texas after his retirement.

After graduating from college Jim worked several jobs before settling into an assistant auditor position with United Cable in 1980. His diligence, charisma and managerial shrewdness were noticed almost immediately in the rapidly expanding ecosystem of cable television. Jim would continue to work in telecommunications for the next four decades, retiring as an executive vice-president at Liberty Global where he had the privilege of sitting on the board of directors for countless telecom companies worldwide. Jim was known to his co-workers as a man of intractable integrity and strong values for whom they had the highest respect and admiration. It is said he was a caring boss who managed down with a soft voice and up with a big stick.

In May of 1982, Jim married Patricia (Brown) and together they built an enviable life and raised three beloved children: Stephanie, Russell and Jeffrey. Jim’s career brought his family from Chicago to Sydney, Australia and finally to Denver. Jim was forever proud of moving his young family Down Under; a decision that would prove to tremendously influence his children’s futures. To Jim this was an exciting and well-lived time, yielding lifelong friends and countless memories born of his adventurous soul.

As a father, Jim was as dedicated and proud as they come, a rock who always made certain his family wanted for nothing. To his children he was a steadfast soccer coach, lacrosse fan, ski partner, golf buddy, firework safety expert, pig roast co-conspirator, family black-jack dealer, business advisor, unpredictable boat captain, omelette savant and all around expert at making things up as you go along. His support, love, acceptance, kindness and guidance where unwavering and true. He was greatly loved by his children and they were always on his mind.

In 2011, through a serendipitous encounter, Jim reconnected with his college sweetheart Karen Halbert. Gradually they rekindled their relationship and fell in love once again, spending the next twelve and a half years together. Jim and Karen’s love was sunlit, easy and serene like the many days they spent aboard their boat on Lake L.B.J., lazing in each other’s company, days held especially close in both their hearts. They were cherished community members and adored in their adopted homes of Breckenridge (CO) and Horseshoe Bay (TX). Recently they had traveled to Ireland together, realizing one of Jim’s life long dreams. She was by his side and supported him until the very end.

Jim is survived by his wife Karen Halbert Clark of Horseshoe Bay (TX), and his children: Stephanie Clark of Denver (CO), Russell Clark of Yokohama (Japan) and Jeffery Clark, also of Denver (CO). He leaves behind wide swaths of friends, coworkers and mentees—from all around the world—who loved him and are indebted to his kindness, generosity, tutelage, wisdom and tender spirit.

The Family wishes to express their appreciation to his friends, family, neighbors, the Horseshoe Bay community and staff, as well as the EMTs and caregivers who have loved and cared for Jim to whom he was a gentle, inquisitive and kind soul.

Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to MD Anderson Cancer Center, the PAN Foundation which provides grants for the costly medications required to treat myelofibrosis and the University School in Milwaukee Wisconsin.