James Russell Clark

James Russell Clark, 72, of Tulsa, Okla., and formerly of Grand Chain, died Tuesday, April 7, 2021. 

He was born on Sept. 6, 1948, in Cairo, the son of William Russell and Ardis Louise Clark.   

He is survived by his wife, Glenda Williams Clark; a sister, Ann Kearney and her husband Gary; a son, Chris Clark and his wife Melissa; a daughter, Carla Bayer; a son, Chad Clark and his wife Christy, eight grandchildren, Stephanie, Katie, Joshua and Molly Clark, Claire Clark, Cole, Jake and Mason Bayer; four great-grandchildren, Parker, Dean, Able and Zion; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; by a brother, Roger; and a sister, Gale Kurpeski.

Mr. Clark was a man of faith and a member of the Community Christian Explorers at Asbury United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Okla. 

He earned multiple undergraduate degrees from Southeast Missouri State University and earned his masters of divinity at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. 

Mr. Clark was an educator, ordained minister, counselor, entrepreneur and friend to many.

His greatest desire was to share the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ to everyone. He was gifted with a spirit of encouragement and made everyone feel like they were important and loved. He greeted you with a smile and could carry on both sides of the conversation. He found joy in walking with Christ and made you want to run and follow.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 12, at Asbury United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Okla.

This announcement  is courtesy of Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.