James Randolph Clow

Moline, Illinois James R. Clow, age 69, of Moline, Illinois, died Monday, April 12, 2004 at Trinity Medical Center in Rock Island. Funeral services for James Randolph Clow, 69, of Moline will be 10:30 on Friday, April 16th at Trimble Funeral Home, Coal Valley. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00, as well as one hour preceding the service. Jim was born July 31, 1934 in Rock Island, IL, the son of Edward C. and Louella Randolph Clow. He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1953 and Lincoln Barber College, Peoria, IL in 1954. He married Mary Ellen McCabe in 1953 in Rock Island. He later married Faye Locke. Jim worked as a barber in Coal Valley from 1954 to 1970 and again following his retirement as a driver for All-American Transport. A talent for sculpture, discovered in 1964, changed his life dramatically. Art became a passion and was the source of great satisfaction. He will be remembered in the art community for his realistic busts and his free spirit. An early admirer of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement, he participated in marches, demonstrations and voter registration drives, including the second march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Another of his passions was fishing, and he fulfilled a boyhood dream when he bought a home along Rock River. He was a loving father and patient instructor to his children Ellen, Ed, Jimi, and Tom in fishing and other life skills. Many happy memories still to be cherished by his children and grandchildren involve fishing, boating, life and laughter. Survivors include a daughter, Ellen (Ric Burris) Clow, sons, Ed (Nancy) Clow, James Clow and Thomas (Barb Hensley) Clow, fourteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a sister, Louella Smith, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Edward S. Clow, and a great-grandson, McLain Thomas. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com. END OF OBITUARY