Obituary: Bedford Fire Lieutenant James B. Clark

Obituary obtained from French and Rising Funeral Home:

James B. Clark 56 died suddenly April 11, 2013 at his residence. He was born in Batavia, New York in 1957, the son of Richard and Ruth (Preston) Clark. He was educated in Goffstown Public Schools and graduated Bishop Brady High School in Concord in 1975. He was captain of the cross country team at Plymouth State and he graduated with a BA in 1979. He maintained his love of running throughout his life, often bringing home many trophies and awards. He coordinated the Hershey Track program in Goffstown for many years earning him the Clint Robinson Recreation Department Award. He also coached the spring track program at Mount Zion Schools in Manchester. He was an active member of Bethany Covenant Church in Bedford.

He first worked as a firefighter in Goffstown and then moved to the Bedford Fire Department in 1987 and has worked there ever since. He attained the rank of lieutenant. He obtained many certifications and taught numerous classes to other firefighters and EMT's.

Jim's love of farm life was well known in the area. He received the Cooperator of the Year 2009 Award from Hillsborough County Conservation District: Outstanding Work Applying Best Management Practices for Forestry.

He was a devoted father to his two daughters, Stephanie and Allison, both of Goffstown. He is survived by his mother, Ruth, also of Goffstown and a close friend, Sue Sexton of Milford. He is also survived by two brothers, Richard of Deerfield, NH and John of Plymouth, NH, and two sisters Eleanor King of Goffstown and Elizabeth Clark of Richland, Washington. He is survived by many loved nieces and nephews.

A Firefighter Walkthrough will take place Monday afternoon from 3-4PM at the French and Rising Funeral Home, 17 So. Mast Street, Goffstown, NH public visitation hours will be held Monday evening from 5:00 – 9:00 PM . Funeral services will be held Tuesday 1:00 PM at Bethany Covenant Church in Bedford, NH. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Goffstown, NH. In lieu of flowers donations may be made Mt. Zion Christian Schools or Bedford Professional Firefighters Association.

For more information or to sign an online guestbook go to www.frenchandrising.com.

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