James Franklin "Jim" Clarke

Jim Clarke always had people laughing, and when he entered Heaven on July 18, 2026, we know he was teasing the angels and making them laugh, too.

Jim, known by the extended Clarke family as “Coogie,” was born on February 7, 1935, in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., to Joe Washington Clarke Sr. and Elsie Gray Tate Clarke. Although born in the District, he remained deeply connected to his Virginia family roots and retained his distinctive Southern Virginia accent throughout his life.

Jim’s mischievous spirit emerged early. His childhood exploits included painting windows black and cutting the heels off all his aunt’s shoes. He was quick-witted and often one step ahead of everyone around him.

Jim graduated from Western High during the Korean War era and enlisted in the United States Army. He served as a cryptographer while stationed in Germany. His often-repeated stories of his adventures there were a source of great amusement to his family. Jim was proud to serve his country and approached his responsibilities with dedication and a strong sense of duty.

Following his military service, Jim began a long career with the telephone company. His intelligence, technical skill, and expertise led to assignments at the White House and the U.S. Capitol, as well as opportunities to travel in support of several United States presidents. It was also at the telephone company that he met Joan Marie Wallace, the love of his life. Joan played hard to get, but he was smart, charming, and persistent. After a short courtship, they were married on January 24, 1959. Their marriage spanned more than 67 years.

Jim and Joan enjoyed traveling and sharing new experiences with family. One especially meaningful journey took them to Joan’s ancestral home in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, with Joan’s cousin, the late Jimmy Wallace, and his late wife, Sandy. They also traveled with Jim’s sister, Gray, and her husband, Dan Wiley, including a memorable trip to Hawaii.

Although Jim and Joan did not have children of their own, their home and hearts were always open to family. During an especially difficult time, they provided a loving home for their nephew David Rice II and nieces Shelby and Diane Rice. The close bonds formed during that time endured throughout Jim’s life and extended to the generations that followed. In one example, Jim had the honor of walking David’s bride down the aisle following the death of her father.

Jim and Joan held a grandparent’s place in the hearts of their niece Diane’s three sons, Michael, Hunter, and Colton Rowe. Michael began calling Jim “Poppa,” and the name stuck.

Family was at the center of Jim’s life. He was a devoted husband, beloved brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, and a treasured presence in the lives of generations of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, great-grandnieces, and nephews. Jim was someone who showed up: for birthday parties, ball games, graduations, weddings, and the countless ordinary moments that make up a family’s life. He was generous with both his help and his affection and never hesitated to tell his family that he loved them.

Many knew him fondly as “Uncle Bad,” a nickname that reflected his legendary sense of humor and playful spirit. His influence extended across both sides of the family, where members of younger generations were proudly named in his honor.

Jim and Joan spent many happy years in their homes in Lanham and Friendship, Maryland. They were longtime attendees of the Friendship United Methodist Church.

Jim is survived by his wife, Joan Wallace Clarke; his sister, Gray Wiley; his sisters-in-law, Jean Milazzo, Judith Randall, and Janet Tayman and her husband, Sam; his brothers-in-law, Bob Wallace and Herb Wallace; and many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family members, and namesakes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Washington Clarke Sr. and Elsie Gray Tate Clarke; his brother, Joe Washington Clarke Jr.; his brothers-in-law, Dan Wiley, Tony Milazzo, and Jim Randall; and his nephews, Dr. Mark Wiley, Joey Rice, and Shawn Powell.

Jim will be remembered for his humor, loyalty, generosity, and deep devotion to his family. His presence enriched the lives of those who knew him, and he will be dearly missed.