James D. Clark

James D. Clark James D. Clark, 81, of 6148 US 322, Victory Hts, Cranberry Twp, passed away at 5:00 a.m. at his residence on Monday, May 17, 2010. Born July 28, 1928 in Cranberry Township, Venango County, he was the son of the late Harry and Mary Culp Clark. Mr. Clark had worked and retired from both CPT and Joy Manufacturing where he had been an electrical and machine repairman. Mr. Clark was married on December 29, 1946 to the former Shirley Kelly, who preceded him in death on April 29, 2002. He was a member of the Victory Heights United Brethren in Christ Church. He belonged to the International Order of the Odd Fellows Queen City Lodge in Titusville, Myrtle Lodge #316 F & AM, Valley of Oil City Lodge, and Valley of New Castle Lodge. Jim was a very talented craftsman in many facets. Over the years, he and his father built 58 houses in the Oil City area. He was most know for the beautiful banjoes that he built, many of which are still being played on stage to this day. Jim was a pioneer in bringing Blue Grass Music to this part of Pennsylvania, and was an accomplished banjo and guitar player. He started a Blue Grass Festival at the Blue Grass Cabin in Seneca, which inspired other such festivals throughout the area. He also started a family Blue Grass Band, which was called the "Blue Grass Family Affair" and later played for the "Flatlanders" Blue Grass Band for many decades. He is survived by his three sons, J. Daniel Clark and his wife, Debbie, of Franklin, Frank B. Clark of Oil City, and Mitchell L. Clark and his wife, Linda, of Franklin; and his daughter, Leslie A. Clark, also of Franklin; his six grandchildren, Shannon Anderson and her husband, Jeff of Utica, J. Devon Clark of Franklin, Jonathan Clark and his wife, Christina of State College, Matthew J. Clark and his wife, Brittany, of Oil City, Kristen E. Beers and her husband, David, of Franklin, and Kelly A. Clark also of Franklin; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Paul E. Clark and his wife, Cindy, of Cranberry, and Albert B. Clark of Seneca; and four sisters, Mary Jane Gilmore of Mount Sterling, Kentucky, Doris S. Buzard of Franklin, Grace Whitling of Seneca, and Donna McKey of Oil City; and his loving companion, Pat Carbaugh of Seneca. In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Robert J. Clark; his brothers-in-law, Donald Gilmore, Robert Buzard, Gerald Whitling, and Richard McKey; and his sister-in-law, Evelyn Clark. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2010 at the Gardinier Funeral Home Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Funeral Services for Mr. Clark will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, May 22 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Gale Boocks, retired United Methodist Minister, presiding. Interment will follow at Brandon Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of one's choice. On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardinierfuneralhome.com. .