Gansevoort, NY- On March 20, 2026 Jim Clarke left his tired, earthly body behind and headed off on a new adventure. Jim was born in 1935 to James and Laura Clarke in Hampton, Virginia. They instilled in him a love of learning and the value of education. He grew up in the segregated south sitting at the back of the bus, using colored drinking fountains, and attending segregated schools. He graduated from Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. and attended Springfield College in Massachusetts. After graduation he landed in Poughkeepsie, NY. Thus began his 48 year career in education. He served the Poughkeepsie City School District as a science teacher, physical education teacher, guidance counselor, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He created and coached the Poughkeepsie High School swim team and coached the crew team.

Jim then became Superintendent of Saratoga Warren BOCES in Saratoga, NY, followed by Superintendent of the Linden City School District in Linden, New Jersey, and ended his career as Superintendent of Hudson City School District in Hudson, NY. In each district, Jim earned respect and mentored many young educators. Some of his professional and community activities included Resident Director of Upward Bound at Marist College and Bennett College, founding member of the Dutchess County Human Rights Commission, Dutchess County American Red Cross Board of Directors, and founding member of the Poughkeepsie Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Throughout his life Jim pursued aquatic activities. In college, he was co-captain of the varsity swim team. He had his Open Water scuba diving certification and had the opportunity to dive the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Jim always had a boat starting with his little kayak in Hampton, a canoe for rafting white water in the Northeast, and his Boston Whalers. His boats were small enough to be towed, he did not want to be moored to one place. He motored, sailed, and fished the area lakes, the Hudson and St. Lawrence Rivers, Long Island Sound, the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

If it moved, Jim learned to drive it. He made many long trips on his motorcycle, had his CDL, FAA private pilot’s license, and earned the Coast Guard Captains license.

Travel was in his blood. This included camping trips for students across the United States and Europe. Later in life he traded in his tent for an Airstream camper. He camped in many National Parks and followed the AL-Can highway to Alaska. He shared these adventures with his wife, Valerie, and his beloved dogs. Jim and Val enjoyed many trips to Europe, always renting a car and striking out on their own. He liked to say, "We don't know where we're going until we get there, don't know when we're leaving until we're gone."

Jim will be remembered for his leadership, love of learning, generosity, curiosity, and adventurous spirit. He made friends easily and was happy to help anyone who crossed his path. If you were with Jim Clarke you could be sure of two things: you were in good hands and you were going to have fun. He will be sorely missed by family and friends; but oh, the memories...

Jim was predeceased by his parents, brother William D. Clarke, son Jeffrey B. Clarke, nephews William Clarke, Jr. and Robert Clarke.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Valerie; sister Ann Cessaris; daughter Maria Jones and son-in-law Namon E. Jones, Sr.; guardian son John Wallace; grandchildren, Namon E. Jones, Jr. (Kiara), Joshua C. Jones (Aaliyah), Christian Jones; great-grandchildren Carsyn, Cephas, Noah and Kadence; nieces Christina Clarke, Jennifer and Meghan Caddick, Heather and Shannon Kelly, and nephew, Justin Caddick, and great-nephews Cyrus and Damon Kelly.

The family will host a Celebration of Life for Jim at the Pirate Canoe Club in Poughkeepsie, NY on April 26, 2026 from 2 to 5PM. At 2PM the Rev. Dr. Jesse V. Bottoms will speak and lead us in prayer. Kappa Alpha Psi will perform their Home Going Ritual. This will be followed by an informal gathering of friends and family to share memories and honor a life well lived.

Memorial donations may be made in James Clarke’s name to the Poughkeepsie Public Schools Foundation Fund (ppsfonline.org) to continue his legacy of learning and education for children or a charity of one’s choice.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com