James C. Clark, a beloved historian and senior lecturer at UCF, passed away Oct. 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that shaped generations of students and enriched Florida’s historical narrative. He was 78.

Since joining UCF in 1986, Clark became a cornerstone of the university’s history department, known for his engaging lectures, sharp wit and passion for storytelling. Throughout his nearly four decades at UCF, Clark taught thousands of students, from large introductory courses to intimate honors seminars.

According to his former department chair John Sacher, “Jim was an excellent colleague and an outstanding teacher. He was passionate about the success of his students, the history department and UCF. He was a people-person who genuinely cared about others. And, he did all of the above with an unrivalled sense of humor.”

In addition to teaching at UCF, Clark spent over 30 years in journalism, including at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Magazine. He was also a familiar face on News 6, offering political analysis with characteristic humor and insight. His articles have appeared in The Washington Post, Washington Monthly, The Nation and the Miami Herald. His work has been honored by the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors, the Florida Magazine Association and the Florida Historical Society.

His face was familiar to many for his work with WUCF, where he helped bring Central Florida’s history to life through his contributions to both Central Florida Roadtrip and Florida Road Trip. Clark allowed the community and future generations to see Central Florida through his eyes through his contributions to Central Florida Roadtrip and Florida Road Trip, says Jennifer Cook, executive director of WUCF.

“From the very first season of WUCF’s Central Florida Roadtrip, Dr. Clark brought history to life with energy and depth that made every story memorable,” Cook says. “Nearly a decade later, his relationship with WUCF continued through to the most recent season of Florida Road Trip, where he remained a trusted voice sharing his knowledge on the people and places that shaped our community.”

Clark authored 11 books on Florida history, including Red Pepper and Gorgeous George: Claude Pepper’s Epic Defeat in the 1950 Democratic Primary, A History Lover’s Guide to Florida and, most recently, Lost Attractions. His work made him a popular speaker across the state. In his last few months, he served as the keynote speaker at a Tallahassee celebration of the 125th anniversary of Claude Pepper’s birth, and he had been invited to deliver the main address at the Florida Council for Social Studies. He was also a very popular lecturer for the Florida Humanities Council.

Careers often follow an arc, says Jeff Moore, dean of the UCF College of Arts and Humanities, and in Clark’s case, his impact only grew with time. He never lost the spark of engagement or the joy of learning. He was always asking questions, always publishing, always teaching at the highest level.

“He was a people person in every sense of the word, and that translated beautifully into his teaching.” — Jeff Moore, dean of the UCF College of Arts and Humanities

“Jim Clark was my friend for over 30 years and a model of what you hope for in a faculty member. His depth of knowledge as a Central Florida historian was extraordinary. But what truly set Jim apart was how that knowledge was rooted in his connection to people. He was a people person in every sense of the word, and that translated beautifully into his teaching. He positively impacted everyone he met, usually with a bit of his trademark humor mixed in.”

UCF plans to honor Clark with a campus tribute, inviting his many friends on campus and in the Central Florida community to share memories and reflections. As the university community mourns his loss, it also celebrates the indelible mark he left on Florida’s historical landscape and the hearts of those who knew him.

A celebration of life is planned for February 2026.