James T. Clarkson

Minister James T. Clarkson, 82, of Rock Island, Illinois, died Friday, March 27, 2015, in UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, Illinois.

Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at Second Baptist Church, Rock Island, with The Reverend Joseph D. Williamson III officiating. Burial is in Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation is one hour before the services. Trimble Funeral Home, Moline, is in charge of arrangements.

James Theodore Clarkson was born September 10, 1932, in Dante, Virginia, to James Paul and Elizabeth (Adams) Clarkson. He married Catherine Mitchell Buchanan on June 28, 1975, in Rock Island. He served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, retiring as Staff Sergeant in 1973. He then worked at the Rock Island Arsenal for 13 years, following which he was a security guard at the Quad City Airport. He also had Choice Cut Barber Shop in Rock Island for a few years.

James was a minister at Second Baptist Church, Rock Island, where he sang with the Men's Chorus and was an Evangelist. He volunteered as minister at Rock Island County Jail and East Moline Correctional Center for 20 years.He was a member of the VFW in Rock Island, and enjoyed bowling and playing the guitar.

James is survived by his wife, Catherine; two children, Marianne Lyda and Barry Buchanan, both of Rock Island; two step-children, Charles Clarkson of Columbia, South Carolina, and Bridgette Grimball of Suitland, Maryland; eight grandchildren, including Harold "Tommy" Willis, Jr. and James A. Hughes; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded by a step-daughter, Marjorie Thompson; a sister, Beatrice Clarkson; and a brother, Rudy Clarkson.

James's family invites friends to share stories and condolences and light a free candle in his memory at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.