Jym L. Clark

Jym Leslie Clark (nee Edwards), 76, of Greenfield, died Wednesday, May 1, following a 10-month donnybrook with cancer. Jym was born on February 18, 1948, to Roger and Iona Edwards in Janesville, WI. She graduated from Janesville High School, attended UW-Rock County, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in teaching and an unwavering loyalty to all things Badger.

A teacher of high school English, speech, and drama, Jym introduced hundreds of students to the joys of public performance. She was a beloved theater director for children of all ages and a forensics coach and judge with notoriously high standards. Her 40-year teaching career began in Tomah and included classrooms in Madison (Memorial), Waunakee, and Whitnall High School. She spent the last 20 years of her career there and continued her service to the community she loved for another 14 years as a substitute teacher and testing proctor.

Jym’s theater productions were widely recognized for their excellence and earned local and state accolades on numerous occasions. She was an inaugural inductee to the Wisconsin High School Forensics Association Hall of Fame. Professionally, she was most proud of the accomplishments of her students and that so many from across the generations maintained close ties with her. Their support, and that of her fellow teachers, helped her tremendously during the past year.

Jym is survived by her husband of 50 years, Kevin, with whom she had many adventures, her daughters, Celine Haga (Matt) and Megan (Travis Ernst), of whom she was incredibly proud, and her grandchildren, Aidan, Sean, and Rory Haga, who were a constant source of joy. She is further survived by her brothers, Roger and Peter (Leanne) Edwards; sister, Brook; special sister-in-law, Claudia (Jim) Lenz; brothers-in-law Kieran (Lynn) and Chris (Gayle) Clark; sisters-in-law Colette Clark and Calista Bestor; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her dear aunt, Sandy Perry. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Mary Edwards, and brother-in-law Colin Clark.

Gathering will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. An Additional Gathering will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1717 Church Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Memorial Service at 10:00 AM.

Jym was an extraordinary woman who made an impact on countless lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whitnall School District, 5000 South 116 Street, Greenfield, Wisconsin (please note Jym Clark Theater Memorial) or to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association, 1501 Saint Andrew Street, Suite C200, La Crosse, Wisconsin (please note Jym Clark Memorial).

Her family is grateful for the care provided by Dr. Mohammad Raza and the oncology nurses, physicians assistants, and support staff at ProHealth Cancer Center and Waukesha Memorial Hospital.

You are our sunshine.

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