James M. Clarke

James Clarke

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 11th district
In office 1983-1985,1987-1991
Preceded by	Bill Hendon
Succeeded by	Bill Hendon (1985) Charles Taylor (1991)

Born	June 12, 1917 Manchester, Vermont
Died	April 13, 1999 (aged 81) Fairview, North Carolina
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Elspie Clarke

James McClure Clarke (June 12, 1917 - April 13, 1999) was a North Carolina politician and farmer. He is a former Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives.

Born in Manchester, Vermont, Clarke grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. Clarke graduated from Princeton University in 1939 and served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. After his service, Clarke worked as a dairy farmer and orchardist in western North Carolina. He became president of the Farmers Federation Cooperative in 1956.

In 1976, Clarke was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives as a Democrat. In 1980 he was elected to the North Carolina Senate. In the 1982 election Clarke was elected to the 98th United States Congress representing North Carolina's 11th congressional district. He was reelected to the 100th, 101st, and 102nd Congresses. In Congress, he was known as an advocate for the environment. He retired from politics after he was unsuccessful in the 1990 election.

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Preceded by William Martin Hendon	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 11th congressional district 1983-1985	Succeeded by William Martin Hendon
Preceded by William Martin Hendon	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 11th congressional district 1987-1991	Succeeded by Charles H. Taylor