James Vincent Clarke was born in Sydney, New South Wales during 1894 and worked as a clerk prior to joining the Australian Imperial Force. At 21 years of age, he enlisted with the AIF at Holsworthy and was assigned to the 5th Field Artillery Brigade. His brother, Trooper Oliver Joseph Burke Clarke also served in the First World War.

Clarke departed Sydney aboard RMS Osterley on 15 January 1916.Clarke was transferred to the 36th Heavy Artillery Group in June 1917 and remained with this unit until the end of the First World War. He was evacuated to England in 1917 as a result of injuries received whilst serving on the Western Front. Clarke re-joined his unit in France during October 1917. James Clarke returned to Australia on 11 May 1919.