James Edwin Clark

James Edwin Clark began his life journey on April 15, 1928 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.  His parents, James Clark and Renee Pollinelli Clark welcomed him with love and open arms. His big sister, Joyce Alice Clark, was amazed and was still happily taking care of her little brother until his journey ended on February 13, 2021 in Forsyth, Georgia USA, as he neared the end of his 93rd year.

Jim (as he was known by many) lived a life of adventure and filled with challenges.  His interests were intense and he always worked hard to learn more, then do his best to be successful.  

As a youngster, he lived near Lake Ontario and became fascinated by the open waters. He became a marine engineer and worked on the ships. That love never changed and when he retired he bought a sailboat and cherished the time spent on  Simba and later his boat Time Out  He was an active member of the Dalhousie Yacht Club.  He was their go to guy for advice and help.  He wrote articles for their newsletter and shared recipes for voyages.

The fascination for trains also drew him into another occupation. He spent many years working for Canadian National Railroad in Hamilton, Ontario.  He began as a yard man and retired as a conductor.  
The call of open space and taking care of the land convinced him to become a Gentleman Farmer so he purchased a seven acre farm in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada and when more land was needed a move to an eighty acre farm in St.  Ann’s, Ontario happened.

If you are still reading, you are probably beginning to wonder how he ended up in Forsyth, Georgia USA.  Read on...
Probably, the most fascinating occupation he had was as a professional wrestler.  He was known As Sailor Jim Clark in Canada.  The lure of more money and more excitement brought him to the United States and it was here that he became known as Ivan Zukoff during the late 1950s and early 1960s  He wrestled in many states and was a notorious “bad guy”.  He knew and used every dirty trick. He even wrestled a bear. It was while he was in Georgia that he met his wife. They returned to her home town in 2002.

Jim is survived by Joyce Wilson (his 95 year old sister),Patsy Vedder Clark (his wife of 55 years, 6 months, and 3 days) and their children Beth Allen (Mike) and James Clark (Shelley) and by a daughter Karlene Finlayson (David).  He has 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

To honor his memory is your choice.

To contact the family Patsy Clark, 190 Aaron Court, Forsyth, Ga 30129 or Patsy Clark on Facebook.  Please share a memory or a story.