 | JAMES STERLING CLARK |
The following biographical sketch was compiled at the time of induction into the Academy in 1997.
James Sterling Clark was a native of Barbour County, Alabama. He was the son of
Edward and Stella Floyd Clark. James Clark graduated from Eufaula High School
where he was Valedictorian of his class.
After graduation Mr. Clark joined his father in the management of the family
plantation and was active in the Alabama National Guard.
Mr. Clark was married to Marie Kendall. He was the father of three children and
two grandchildren.
In 1942 his National Guard Unit became part of the U. S. 8th Air Force, and he
was shipped to Europe where he served until 1945.
Following separation from the Air Force, he returned to his hometown and
became active in civic, religious, and educational affairs. He served as Mayor of
Eufaula, 1976-78. He was elected to the Alabama Senate where he served for 16
consecutive years. In 1983 he was elected to the Alabama House of
Representatives and was reelected numerous times.
James Clark served as Speaker of the House of Representatives,
serving in a unprecedented third term. He was named one of the nine
Outstanding Legislators in the Nation by the American Legislative Exchange
Council.
Mr. Clark was an active leader in Alabama's economic, agricultural, and religious
efforts to improve the living conditions of its citizens.
Mr. Clark died on June 6, 2000.
Updated: March 14, 2007