James M. Clark

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James (Jim) Clark, 69, of Sherman, SD, passed away May 13, 2017. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00am Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Zion Lutheran Church Garretson, SD. Visitation with family present will be Thursday, May 18 from 6-8pm at Minnehaha Funeral Home in Garretson.

Jim was born April 9, 1948, in Watertown, SD to Thomas and Mildred (Heath) Clark. Soon after, the family moved to the Sioux Falls, SD area where he grew up and attended school. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968. He served his country in the Vietnam War with the 101 ^st Airborne Division. He bravely survived being shot on Hamburger Hill. Severely wounded in action and risking his own life, he received the Purple Heart and The Bronze Star with V Cluster for acts of courage and heroism during combat. He also received the Air Mobile Award, Vietnam Service Award and Infantry Badge.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Jim worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Sioux Falls for over 30 years, never missing a day for anything other than a vacation. He had a career he thoroughly enjoyed, often running into customers who greeted him as a friend. Health reasons forced his retirement in 2005.

Jim married Illa Schneider on August 18, 1973 and they had two children. He lived on an acreage north of Sherman where he was able to live his entire life which had been his wish. Jim enjoyed mowing lawn, collecting cars, refinishing antiques, walking, and making memories with his family. He also liked most sports, but basketball was his favorite.

Jim inspired a lot of people over the years with his strength, courage, resilience and positive attitude in the face of adversity. He was just as much of a hero off the battlefield as he was on it.

Jim was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson, the American Legion Henry G. Fix Post 23 Garretson, a lifetime member of the DAV and VFW and served on the Highland Township Board. He was also a member of the honored Purple Heart Society.

Grateful for having shared his life are his two children: Michael Clark and Julie Lingen and her husband, Brad. Along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mildred Clark, and a brother, Thomas Clark.