James Frederick Clark, 74, of North Mankato, passed away on July 28, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System – Mankato, attended by his significant other, Elizabeth Englin.

James requested no services. To honor his request, family and friends have shared their memories of James, written into his obituary. Please celebrate his life in your own style.

James was born October 30, 1951, at San Diego County General Hospital, now called UCSD Hospital, CA to Mary Ann and William Clark. James grew up in the San Diego area attending Rowan Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Jr. High and Herbert Hoover Sr. High School. He also attended San Diego City College.

James met Phyllis Metanson while he was a baker at Tasty Bake Shop in El Cajon, CA, and they were married in 1976. James was blessed with daughter, Moria and son, James Jr. before a dissolution.

While in San Diego, James delivered for Moceri Produce, learning customer service, worked as a security guard at San Diego Sports Arena, and COHU Manufacturing as a machinist. James also drove and was dispatch for Davis Trucking where he had customers specifically request him.

In 2012 James moved to Mankato to assist his nephew, Kevin Koerzendorfer during recovery after a mechanical accident. While in Mankato, James worked at Walmart where he met the love of his life, a Midwest farmer’s daughter, Elizabeth, who became his significant other. Elizabeth is grateful and will cherish the years of being loved by James.

James believed in the family lifestyle of the eagle and wolf. Believing in tradition, James would watch White Christmas with his sister during the holiday season, and celebrate his birthday with a Halloween party. He enjoyed motorcycles (the last being a converted Honda Goldwing to a trike). James had several unique interests including space, television and movies like the Stargate Series, aliens, dinosaurs, and M&M memorabilia. James enjoyed reading, and especially loved the Dirk Pitt books by Clive Cussler, and Edgar Rice Burroughs books like Tarzan and John Carter. James enjoyed bodybuilding and lifting weights. He frequently surfed YouTube and he enjoyed all types of music while tinkering in the garage. Throughout his life, James lived in Kalispell, Montana, Washington state, and Minnesota. He liked to cook, especially barbeques. He loved the San Diego Chargers and the Minnesota Vikings and watched every game that was broadcast in his area.

James was known for his contagious laughter, which could fill a room. James was a great story teller, and friend. He knew how to make people smile when they were having a bad day at work. James was a comedy guy often laughing at his own jokes but was always there for people in need. James will be remembered as a hard-working, loyal friend. James got his beloved cat, Puma Kitty, as a kitten and she was with him for 22 years. He always said she was “a loving companion and a loyal friend.” Having grown up in San Diego he hated the rain, cold, snow, and ice here in Minnesota but loved the people. James even had a special menu item named after him at the Dino’s Pizzeria in North Mankato, MN when he asked for a special dish; Clark Spaghetti.

Left to remember James and celebrate his life are his best friend and companion Elizabeth; his beloved children Moria and James Jr. (Katie); grandchildren, Katherine, Christopher and Nicholas; sister Luana Clark; niece Krista (Aaron) Gaut; nephew Kevin Koerzendorfer; Dorothy ‘Grandma Dottie’ Peska; Chuck and Jeanie; Elizabeth’s family; and many other family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents, and his beloved cat, Puma Kitty “Pummie.”

Burial will be at a later date. James told Elizabeth it would be 30 years from now.

Memorials should be sent to the Salvation Army, Vine Faith in Action, Camp Sweet Life, or an organization of the donor’s choice that means something special to them.

He lived, He laughed, He Loved, He died in his own Clark, James F. style.

Blessed be the memory of Clark, James F.