James Clark known as “Jimmy” excels in News, Sports, and Jobs at The Nashua Telegraph.
James “Jimmy” August Clark, a beloved New Englander, Navy veteran, and talented musician, passed away on April 6, 2025, at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Northampton, Mass., in 1951 to James J. and Rita M. Clark, Jimmy’s childhood was spent in Portland, Maine before his family eventually settled in Amherst, N.H., a town that he called home for the remainder of his life despite his worldly travels.
During his service in the U.S. Navy from 1979 to 1984, Jimmy worked as a communications systems manager and teletype repairman, traveling extensively from Amsterdam to Africa. However, it was his passion for music that truly defined him. As a bassist and singer-songwriter, Jimmy was a part of numerous bands throughout his career. One of his early groups, Sweeney’s Glider, performed at the 1971 End of the Rainbow rock festival, attracting an audience of 5,000 music enthusiasts.
In the 1970s, Jimmy formed a lasting musical partnership with guitarist Eddie Mottau and percussionist Bob Drew, leading to the creation of Mottau, Drew & Clark. The trio’s distinctive blues-inflected acoustic sound resulted in the release of two albums, Dance for Love in 2004 and Revelation/Revolution in 2020, which gained recognition through a feature on the television news program Chronicle. Fondly known as “The Benefit Brothers,” the band’s charitable performances were well-received in local fundraisers.
Jimmy’s expertise extended beyond performing as he also offered valuable advice to customers of online music gear retailer JustStrings.com for over 26 years. His knowledge catered to musicians of all levels, with notable clients like Stephen King seeking his guidance. Known for his quick wit, friendly demeanor, and unwavering optimism, Jimmy’s Irish heritage played a role in his engaging conversational skills and inquisitiveness, leading him to explore his family roots in Ireland in 2005.
An avid outdoorsman, Jimmy found solace in bass fishing and cherished the companionship of dogs. A dedicated New England sports enthusiast, he passionately supported the Red Sox through thick and thin. Jimmy is survived by his brother, Michael Clark, his sister-in-law, Denise Clark, his niece, Shaula Clark, and his nephews Max Clark and Joshua Smith. He will be fondly remembered by many close friends and will be deeply missed.
A memorial service in honor of Jimmy’s life will be held on May 29 at Meadowview Cemetery in Amherst, N.H., followed by a celebration at Riley’s Place in Milford, N.H. Family, friends, and well-wishers are welcome to attend both events to pay their respects.