James Alvin Clark, 83, of Valdese, passed away on October 7, 2023, at Autumn Care of Drexel. James was born August 19, 1940, in McDowell County,  to the late Lloyd and Violet Clark. James was the oldest of seven brothers and sisters. He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Valdese and attended regularly until his decline in health. James retired from the Sara Lee bakery, in Valdese, as a truck driver. He will be remembered as a kind man who never knew a stranger. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lee McGaillard Clark and sister, Pamela Chapman and son, William Darrell Clark. Those left to carry on his memory are his sons, James Clark and Dale Clark; sister, Fay; brothers, Clifford, Leon, Wayne and Eddie; granddaughter, Summer Nicole Clark and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM prior to the service at Heritage Funeral Service. An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.heritagefuneralserivces.com Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.