James Robert Clark Jr., 64
Jimmy "was taken from us" unexpectedly on June 25, 2006, doing what he loved -- helping people.
He was born on Feb. 27, 1942, in Lewistown, to J.R. "Bob" and Virginia. His family moved to Missoula when he was 4 years old. He attended Missoula County High School where he was a standout rodeo participant, football player, and state champion wrestler. He graduated from the University of Montana where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.
Jim worked in the clothing business throughout college and for over 20 years after graduation. During his college summers, he worked as a smokejumper, parachuting into fires throughout the Northwest. During this time, he also discovered fast cars, water sports and skiing.
He eventually ventured into the hospitality business and became an accomplished auctioneer. He naturally flourished with his fun-loving nature and quick wit. Jimmy's most recent business venture was partner and operator of Cowboy's in Crested Butte.
His love of rodeo brought him back to the sport several years ago. He won the Canadian Senior PRCA Bull Riding Championship in 2000.
"His belt buckle was almost as bright as his smile!"
Jim always had a zest for life and being around people. In the past few years he has been actively involved in several nonprofit charities such as Challenge Aspen, Crested Butte Adaptive Sports Center, Crested Butte Academy, 4-H auctions, Cattleman's Days, Winter Sports Clinic, T.J. Martell Foundation and Tough Enough To Wear Pink Foundation. Jimmy helped raise millions of dollars for these charities.
He was also active in the Colorado State High School Rodeo Association and a director for the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association.
Jim leaves his legacy in his survivors, partner in life, Cathy Benson, and their daughter, Jessica, son and daughter-in-law, Corey and Ruth Clark, and grandchildren, Melissa and Tara, and son Cjay Clark, all of Crested Butte, Colo.; and son, Cody Clark, of Butte. Also surviving him is his mother, Virginia Averill; brothers, Kent Clark, Marcus Clark, and Brad Averill; stepbrothers, Dan Averill, Darv Averill, Doug Averill and Dalvin Averill; and countless friends.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, at the Union Congregational Church in Crested Butte, followed by a celebration of Jimmy's life at Jimmy and Cathy's ranch located at 21946 State Highway 135, Crested Butte, CO.
Memorial donations can be sent to Challenge Aspen, an organization that makes possibilities for people with disabilities; or, Tough Enough To Wear Pink Foundation, an organization to raise awareness and provide assistance for breast cancer patients who are not eligible for medical benefits in Gunnison County. Challenge Aspen, P.O. Box M, Aspen, CO 81612; or Tough Enough To Wear Pink (TETWP), 500 E. Tomichi, Gunnison, CO 81230