James Robert Clark, Jr.

Jimmy was taken from us unexpectedly on June 25 doing what he loved—helping people.

He was born on Feb. 27, 1942 in Lewistown, Mont., to J.R."Bob" and Virginia. His family moved to Missoula when he was 4 years old.

Jim attended Missoula County High School where he was a standout rodeo participant, football player, and state champion wrestler. He graduated from the University of Montana where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

Jim worked in the clothing business throughout college and for over 20 years after graduation. During his college summers, he worked as a smokejumper, parachuting into fires throughout the Northwest. During this time, he also discovered fast cars, water sports and skiing.

He eventually ventured into the hospitality business and became an accomplished auctioneer. He naturally flourished with his fun loving nature and quick wit. Jimmy's most recent business venture was partner and operator of Cowboy's in Crested Butte.

His love of rodeo brought him back to the sport several years ago. He won the Canadian Senior PRCA Bull Riding Championship in 2000. His belt buckle was almost as bright as his smile!

Jim always had a zest for life and being around people. In the past few years he has been actively involved in several non-profit charities such as Challenge Aspen, Crested Butte Adaptive Sports Center, Crested Butte Academy, 4-H Auctions, Cattleman's Days, Winter Sports Clinic, T.J. Martell Foundation and Tough Enough To Wear Pink Foundation. Jimmy helped raise millions of dollars for these charities. He was also active in the Colorado State High School Rodeo Association and a director for the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association.

Jim leaves his legacy in his survivors: partner in life Cathy Benson and their daughter Jessica, son and daughter-in-law Corey and Ruth Clark, grandchildren Melissa and Tara, son Cjay Clark, all of Crested Butte, Colo., and son Cody Clark of Butte, Mont. Also surviving him is his mother Virginia Averill, brothers Kent Clark, Marcus Clark, Brad Averill, stepbrothers Dan Averill, Darv Averill, Doug Averill, Dalvin Averill and countless friends.

Services will be held in Crested Butte, Colo., at the Union Congregational Church on Saturday July 1, 2006 at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of Jimmy's life at Jimmy and Cathy's ranch located at 21946 State Hwy 135, Crested Butte.

Memorials can be sent to Challenge Aspen, an organization that makes possibilities for people with disabilities. Or, Tough Enough To Wear Pink Foundation, an organization to raise awareness and provide assistance for breast cancer patients who are not eligible for medical benefits in Gunnison County.

Challenge Aspen

P.O. Box M

Aspen, CO 81612

Tough Enough To Wear Pink (TETWP)

500 E. Tomichi

Gunnison, CO 81230