James Russell Clarke

Stratham – James (Jim) Russell Clarke, 76, of Stratham, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, January 29, 2023. He was born in Boston MA on June 18, 1946, son of the late Buell and Anne (Watson) Clarke. Jim was raised in Waltham, MA, where he loved to play hockey and baseball. He graduated from Waltham High School in 1964. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts at Northeastern University. Jim was employed for many years at Honeywell working on computers. In his later years, Jim became self-employed doing various jobs including estate cleanouts, auctions, and traveling around the country delivering antiques. He also enjoyed seasonal work selling Christmas trees. Jim started his family in Salem, NH, before moving to Hampton Falls, NH in the mid 80’s where he stayed in the Seacoast area. Jim, having been raised in the city, ended up loving suburban life and wanted to be a farmer. Jim was the kind of guy that knew someone everywhere he went and was loved by all that knew him. He was very hard working, reliable and would drop anything he was doing to help anyone, especially his daughters. Jim could always be found watching or listening to all the Boston sports teams. Jim also loved history, music, anything to do with Scotland, and most of all spending time with his five grandchildren. From the time he was a little boy Jim spent many summers going to Marion Bridge, Nova Scotia to visit family. Nova Scotia held a very special place in Jim's heart, he loved the people and pace of life there. He was an active member of the Hampton Falls First Baptist Church where he sang in the choir, attended men’s ministry groups as well as going on several missions trips to Tijuana, Mexico and New York City. His love for volunteering started at an early age coaching hockey at the Waltham Boys Club and at the Fernald State School. He continued volunteering throughout his life at soup kitchens, churches, homeless shelters and lending a hand to anyone in need. We will always carry your memory in our hearts and look forward to rejoicing with you in heaven one day. He is survived by his daughters: Diana Oriol and her husband Maxime of Chelmsford, MA, Lisa Pond and her husband Greg of Stratham, NH and Christina Clarke of Stratham, NH. He also leaves his grandchildren Sevigne and Keira Oriol, Fiona, Ellis and Beckett Pond and a sixth grandchild is expected in March. His siblings, John Clarke and his husband William Theisen of Malden, MA, his sister Marilyn Holmes of North Grafton, MA, William and Phyllis Clarke of Hampton Falls, NH, Stephen and Pamela Clarke of Billerica, MA and, his former wife and mother to his children, Joyce Clarke of Stratham, NH, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours are Friday, February 10, 2023 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Hampton Falls First Baptist Church, 3 Lincoln Ave. Hampton Falls. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the church at 12:00 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a donation to the Hampton Falls First Baptist Church Missions Ministry.

James Russell Clarke

June 18, 1946 - January 29, 2023