James Clark was born to Mary and John Clark in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn on September 11th 1938. He attended Our Lady of Angels and LaSalle Academy before joining the NYPD in 1961. In the latter half of his career with the NYPD, he was assigned to the 68th precinct and later became the Community Affairs Officer.

After retiring from the NYPD in 1984, he joined Flood Company Real Estate, as a Vice President and General Manager and worked alongside his life-long friend Raymond Flood.

Jim was a Vice President with the Fifth Avenue Board of Trade, a private organization of business owners focused on improving sanitation, security, and capital advancements in the neighborhood. In 2006, it was decided that an official city improvement District structure was needed. With Jim leading the effort of long hours of lobbying and organizing alongside his long-time friend Basil Capetanakis, the 5th Avenue BID was created and he was named President in July 2007. He remained an active BID member until his passing.

Jim was active in many local organizations including the Brooklyn Board of Realtors, Bay Ridge Real Estate Board and Bay Ridge – Bensonhurst Multiple Listings Service.

He was a charter member of the Ragamuffin Parade and was a Merit Badge Counselor with the Brooklyn Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

A lifelong resident of Bay Ridge, he loved this community and was a well-known and respected member of the neighborhood. Jim also enjoyed many summers at Russell Brook campground, and in later years, Tanglewood Estates.

Jim’s greatest pride was his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Joanne, his loving children James (Patricia), the late Michael, Thomas, Eddie and Marianne.

He was the cherished Papa of James (Tara), Melissa (Michael), Megan, Danielle (Chase), Stephanie (RJ) and Brian (Natalija).

He was also blessed with 9 great-grandchildren, James, Jackson, Oliver, Aiden, Kaylee, Emma, Ava, Gabby, and Colton.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, of which Jim was a supporter, are appreciated.

Visitation
Friday. July 24, 2026
4 PM - 8 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available 


Funeral Mass
Saturday, July 25, 2026
9:45 AM

Saint Andrew the Apostle R.C. Church
6713 Ridge Boulevard
Brooklyn, NY 11220 


Cemetery
Holy Cross Cemetery
3620 Tilden Avenue 
Brooklyn, NY 11203