ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s fair to say that Florida fascinated Jim Clark.
The UCF senior lecturer, historian, newspaper editor and writer made the Sunshine State the focus of his career, authored about a dozen books, including several that celebrated Florida’s rich and often strange history, and his knowledge of Central Florida could delve into details that few know, unless you are a native of the state. And so many people are not.
Dr. Jim Clark died last week of an apparent heart attack in his Orlando home. He was 78.
Clark grew up in Maryland and got his history degree at Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1975 before coming to Orlando to work for the Orlando Sentinel in 1976, where he held several jobs on staff, including deputy managing editor, for 22 years.
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.”
[WATCH: A look back at some of Central Florida’s lost attractions]
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.
[WATCH: WKMG Hits the Road as News 6 explores the history of 32825]
“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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