James Clark Obituary

James Garrett Clark passed away on August 2, 2025, of complications associated with his stroke, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas.

Garrett, as he was known to the family, was outgoing, hardworking, and fiercely loyal to his family and friends. His greatest pride and joy were Olivia and Griffin Clark, his twin children. Garrett attended Pflugerville High School and Austin Community College. He spent most of his life in the Austin area and had a long career with Austin’s Pizza in Austin, Round Rock, and Cedar Park. After relocating to Salado, he worked for UPS, proudly wearing the brown uniform, and delivering packages until the day of his stroke.

Garrett enjoyed various outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. Many of his adventures included his beloved Grandfather, “Dugie”. They hiked and camped in New Mexico and canoed down the Missouri River in Montana, recreating a part of the Lewis and Clark trail, fulfilling a family bucket list; however, saltwater fishing was his passion. He loved going to the Gulf and went every chance he could get. Garrett and his family usually spent October in Port Aransas, an event he named ‘Clarktober’. He looked forward to this each year and spent many happy hours preparing gear for these trips for himself and his family. Garrett excelled at fishing, easily out-fishing the group. Other fishermen frequently asked for his advice, and he was always happy to comply. Garrett was eager to talk about fishing anytime.

Garrett was an accomplished cook, carpenter, and artist. He crafted a beautiful wooden canoe, sketched figures and scenes in pen and ink, and enjoyed cooking new recipes for his family. Garrett loved nothing more than a good crawfish boil to celebrate his twins, Olivia and Griffin’s birthday.

The Appalachian Trail always interested him, and most recently, he began watching videos of hikers who had made the two-thousand-mile trek. He studied the route, gear, and tips for making the journey successfully. He dreamed of recovering from his stroke and doing a “through hike” from Springer Mountain, GA, to Mt. Katahdin in ME. He said, “Wouldn’t it be inspiring for others if I could do that?”

While his life was cut short and he couldn’t achieve that goal, his courage, optimism, and determination truly inspired those around him. He worked relentlessly to recover from the stroke and never gave up on himself or his dreams.

He is survived by his parents, Rick and Linda Clark, ex-wife, Lisa Hines Morehead, daughter Olivia Clark, son Griffin Clark, brother Travis and sister-in-law Kandee Clark, niece Prairie and nephew Heath, brother Ryan Clark, cherished Grandparents James and Katarina Travis and loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, among them his Uncle Matt Travis who visited Garrett frequently and brightened his day with donuts. He is predeceased by his grandparents, Doyle and Patsy Clark.

The family will be holding a private memorial at a later date.

Special thanks to the Belton Hub of UPS for their kindness and support, and to the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and Baylor Scott & White System staff for their hard work and dedication on Garrett’s behalf.