James "Earl" Clark was born in Rexburg, Idaho on July 9, 1948 as the second son of Nolan Marion Clark and Shirley Virginia (Birch) Clark. He was raised in Teton City, ID where he worked on his family's farm alongside his father and elder brother, Scott Clark. Nine years after Earl was born the Clark family was blessed with a daughter, Earl's sister Ann Clark.

After graduating from high school, Earl left Teton to pursue a position with Leonard's Iron Works in Rigby, ID. While working at Leonard's, Earl discovered and developed his natural talent for welding and metal works. Soon after moving to Rigby, Earl was to married Sheree Benson and began a family. Earl and Sheree were blessed with their first son Darin James Clark on February 28, 1968. Sadly, Darin passed suddenly and tragically less than 3 months later on April 20 as a result of sudden infant death syndrome. In February of 1970 the couple was again blessed with the arrival of their second son Tracy James Clark. The marriage eventually ended in divorce and Earl moved to Soda Springs, ID where he accepted an employment opportunity with Washington Construction as a heavy-equipment mechanic crew lead and then later for Conda Mining in the same position. Earl finished his career as a millwright for Mark III working at the Monsanto plant in Soda Springs. Earl was an excellent mechanic but had a genuinely special talent for welding.

Earl met Kathy Gentry of Soda Springs in May of 1989. After a three year courtship, the two were married on July 12, 1992. Earl and Kathy enjoyed many years of outdoor fun together and with their family and friends. They spent many summers fishing in their boat at Blackfoot Reservoir, as well as many camping and hunting adventures. After retirement, plans came together to build a small log home on Kathy's family property near Henry. Earl began constructing the home in the summer of 2007 and worked tirelessly until it was completed in 2010. As with all he did, the finished home was constructed beautifully and Earl added many personal touches, including iron railings inlayed with intricate hand-welded railings featuring native wildlife and pine trees. Earl and Kathy moved into the home shortly after completion where they have enjoyed their retirement watching the wildlife on "critter hill", identifying birds at their feeders, and taking in the beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.

Earl is survived by his wife Kathy Clark, brother Scott Clark (Dana Clark), sister Ann Farrens (Guy Farrens), son Tracy James Clark, daughter-in-law Linda Clark, granddaughter Kaelynn, and grandson Kaden Clark. He is also survived by his step-daughters Holly Higgins and Jessica Zander, son-in-law Michael (Mike) Zander, and grandchildren Alex and Karlee Zander. We will all miss Earl and treasure our memories of him. We have many stories…

Services will be held January 3rd at Sim's Funeral Home with visitation at 11:00 am and services beginning at 12:00 pm. The family would like to thank Caribou County EMS, Encompass Hospice, and the Gray's Lake LDS Ward for their genuine care and compassion. En lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to Caribou County EMS in memory of Earl Clark.