James Clark

October 8, 1914 - May 25, 2011

James Gayland Clark, a 74-year resident of Corvallis, died May 25 at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. He was 96. He was born in Nance County, Neb., to Floyd Jacob Clark and Vera Bernice (Greek) (Clark) Freeman. After graduation from Fullerton High School, he entered Moler Barber School in Omaha, Neb. Following graduation from barber school, he married his childhood sweetheart, Anna Mae Held, on Nov. 30, 1934. They lived in Fullerton until 1937, when they moved to Corvallis. James purchased a four-chair barbershop on Monroe Avenue, adjacent to Oregon State University, that he named the Orange O Barbershop. James loved his trade and valued his customers, some of whom became great friends and golf partners. He continued in that location until retirement in 1976. He served as a barber in the U.S. Navy in World War II, from 1943 to 1945, and received four Bronze Stars. He served in the Asiatic Pacific, Philippines, New Guinea and Australia. His wife, Ann, preceded him in death in 1996. Over their 62 years of marriage, James “Jim” and his wife Anna “Ann” enjoyed camping, gardening, traveling, golfing and time with their beloved daughter and grandchildren. They resided in their home on Witham Hill until they moved into the Regent. Jim belonged to the Corvallis Elks Lodge, was a longtime member of the Corvallis Country Club, and was a member of First United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. He married Genevieve “Jean” Flanery on Dec. 7, 1998. They were wonderful companions, and enjoyed watching sports, playing cards and taking drives in the country. Survivors include daughter Nancy (Clark) (South) Patrick and son-in-law Mike Patrick of Albany; grandson Sean Grapoli and wife Amber (Gerding) Grapoli of Philomath; granddaughter Rachel (South) Meiser and husband Steven Meiser of Sherwood; great-grandsons Zachary and Max Grapoli; great-granddaughters Addison and Delaney Meiser; wife Genevieve Flanery; and his extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All will cherish and remember his loving presence in their lives. A visitation/viewing is set for 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 31, at DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home. A memorial service will take place at 1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1165 N.W. Monroe Ave., Corvallis, with the Rev. April Hall Cutting officiating. A private burial service will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Benton Hospice Service, the American Diabetes Association or First United Methodist Church in care of DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home, 815 N.W. Buchanan Ave., Corvallis, OR 97330.