Edward "Clark" James, 85, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away peacefully surrounded by family Monday, August 3, 2026.

Clark was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 15, 1940, to Catherine and Charles James. A lifelong Tulsa resident, Clark graduated from Central High School in 1959. He then attended the University of Tulsa, graduating with his Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Clark spent much of his youth working in the oil fields for his uncle. Following graduation from TU, after brief employment with the Phillip Morris Company, Clark joined The Prudential Life Insurance Company, becoming a career agent and would spend the rest of his professional life working in the insurance industry helping clients.

He earned the Chartered Life Underwriters Distinction (CLU) and later served as president of the Tulsa chapter of Chartered Life Underwriters. In addition, Clark was a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Roundtable and the Health Underwriters of Tulsa. During his career, he was active in several civic organizations including the Rotary Club of Tulsa and the Tulsa Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of First Presbyterian Church and later Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church.

He met the love of his life, Carolyn Lairmore, at TU and they were married in 1962 on the TU campus in Sharp Chapel. They cherished 64 years together and were blessed with two children, John and Kerry, several grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

Clark spent many days golfing with friends, family and clients. He never met a stranger, developing life-long friendships with many of his clients. In addition, Clark loved to watch and participate in his children's athletic endeavors, coaching many little league baseball and football teams. When the children were young, Clark spent many summer weekends at Lake Hudson, where the family would enjoy boating and water skiing. Summers inevitably included a cross-country family road trip to attend the Prudential sales conference in locations across the country. In the winter, the family liked to take snow ski trips. He loved socializing with friends and spending time with his beloved German shepherds. He also dutifully attended every grandchild's recital, soccer game, baseball game, gymnastic meet or other activity as he was able. Clark's primarily love was family, and his wife, children and grandchildren meant the world to him.

Clark is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his son John and wife Amy of Tulsa; his daughter Kerry and husband Justin Remington of Arizona; and his grandchildren Katie Falk and husband Josh; Chris Cleveland, Jack James, Abby James, Olivia James and Will James; and one great-grandchild, Stella Falk. Clark is also survived by his brother Tom Kaye and wife Jan, and many beloved cousins.

A private graveside burial will be held Friday, August 7 at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Green Country, Clarehouse, or Bridges Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Additional Information: 918-663-2233