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ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida held a special allure for Jim Clark, a man whose career was deeply intertwined with the Sunshine State’s vibrant and often peculiar past. A senior lecturer at the University of Central Florida, Clark dedicated his life to exploring and celebrating Florida’s rich history through his work as a historian, newspaper editor, and author of nearly a dozen books.
Clark, who passed away last week in his Orlando home from an apparent heart attack at the age of 78, had an unparalleled depth of knowledge about Central Florida, a familiarity that few possess unless they are natives of the state—a rarity in itself.
Originating from Maryland, Clark’s academic journey began at Lenoir-Rhyne College, where he earned his history degree in 1975. The following year, he relocated to Orlando, embarking on a 22-year tenure at the Orlando Sentinel. During his time at the newspaper, he held numerous positions, including that of deputy managing editor.
In 1986, Clark further solidified his connection to Florida by joining the history department at the University of Central Florida, where he continued to enlighten students until just last week. His academic credentials were further bolstered by a master’s degree from Stetson University and a Ph.D. in Florida history from the University of Florida.
He joined the history department at the University of Central Florida in 1986, where he was still teaching just last week. He got his master’s degree at Stetson University and his Ph.D in Florida history from the University of Florida.
Clark became one of the top experts in Florida history, with books like “A History Lover’s Guide to Florida,” “Hidden History of Florida,” “Presidents in Florida,” and “Lost Attractions of Florida.”
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Here at News 6, we relied on Clark’s historical perspective when talking about politics and government in Florida. You often saw Clark on our air over the years, especially during election season.
“I would text him or send them an email and essentially say ‘I’m putting the bat signal up,’” said News 6 anchor Justin Warmoth. “That meant I need Jim Clark to come in and talk politics.”
Clark was more than just an expert for News 6; he was also part of our family. Clark would come into the newsroom and visit with everyone, no matter the job, and crack jokes like he was in the building all the time. He knew about our lives.
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“My son was born two years ago,” said News 6 theme parks reporter and producer Haley Coomes. “He did send me a card, and it touched me greatly. It was unexpected.”
And he loved to tell us about his life.
“I knew he loved being a grandpa. That’s one of his favorite things. And he would often show me pictures,” Warmoth said. “And his son, he was so proud of his son being an ESPN analyst.”
Clark is survived by his two sons, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
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