Obituary of James "Jim" Clark Wider

On Saturday, July 1, 2023, James Clark Wider Sr. of Colorado Springs passed away.

James, fondly known as Jim or JC was born in Columbia, South Carolina November 7, 1936. James served a total of 20 years between the US Marines and the US Army, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. He attended El Paso Community College and the University of Southern Colorado acquiring a bachelor of fine arts degree. While in college James joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Inc. He was a member of the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church.

James was a gifted and talented artist who went on to open his own successful art gallery known as Southwinds Fine Arts. Many of his fine art focused on his personal memories and the portraying of African American History.  His artwork is collected by many notables and is in various museum collections around the nation. He was also an appreciated lecturer to many students from local schools.

James's marital union with Augustine Murray in 1964 blessed him with four children. He leaves to cherish his memory:  two daughters, Marcelle Charis James (Arcenia), Joyce Renee Cameron (Kenneth) and one son David Craig Wider, one grandson Damon Jerel Bell, one granddaughter Jayda Cymone McNeill, one great granddaughter Zaniya Renee Bell and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. James is preceded in death by both parents, all five of his siblings and his eldest son James Clark Wider, Jr.

Interment with military honors at Pikes Peak National Cemetery Friday, July 28, 2023 at 12:00pm. A Celebration of life will be held at the Southwinds Fine Art Gallery from 2:00 to 5:00pm, located at 16575 Roller Coaster Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. 

Both the interment service and celebration of life are open to the public.  Artworks will not be for sale.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your preferred cause or charity.