James Foerster Clark

Jim Clark, of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away Tuesday, November 26th at age 84.

Born in Butler, PA (outside of Pittsburgh) to Pearl and Joseph Clark. He was proceeded in death by his brother, Jack Clark, and his parents.

Jim is survived by his sister Nancy, daughters Karin (Ron) Barwick, Stacy (Chris) Hoff, son Ryan (Lisa) Clark; eight grandchildren Christian, Johnathan, Michael, Connor, Lindsay, Lauren, Adam, and Griffin, and five great grandchildren.

Jim married Judy McGuire in 1958 in Butler PA and they relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a music teacher and band director for 30 years at Union Local in Belmont, Ohio, Loveland City Schools, and retired from the Milford School district in 1988. He touched the lives of thousands of students during his teaching career. His passion for music was passed to his students and inspired a handful of students who went on make music their career, a point of pride for Jim. There is no shortage of stories from past students about Jim, from cutting class to play basketball to letting them drive his 1963 Corvette Stingray. Yes, he was the "cool" teacher.

Jim was a life-long jazz pianist playing in the Cincinnati area for 65 years. Considered a "musician's musician" by his peers, Jim was a regular on the piano at venues all around the tri-state. Playing clubs and private parties, Jim paid his way through the University of Cincinnati's Conservatory of Music and Xavier University in Cincinnati. Jim played gigs for the remainder of his life in nearly every venue in town including the house band for both the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals and in the Dixieland band on local riverboats.

As a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather he continued to live a very active life in "retirement" beyond playing music that included going to every grandkids' game/concert/event, but also owning a piano tuning business, a putt-putt course, a couple of race horses, and a few Porsches along the way.

While Jim spent 30 years talking and teaching, most would know him as the quiet guy in the room. While he would actively engage about his interests with friends, he more often spent his time listening. His quiet thoughtfulness resulted in great advice for those around him. He always encouraged taking the "high road" so you would never regret your decisions.

He will be missed dearly by his family and those that knew him.

A Remembrance of Jim Clark will be held on Wednesday, December 4th from 5:00-8:00 at the home of Ryan and Lisa Clark at 6738 Surlyn Ct, Loveland, OH 45140