James
Marks
August 7, 2019
Resided in Michigan
A few years ago, I attended a seminar and we were instructed to respond to “Why I love and respect you, Dad.” I showed my brother Tim my list and he agreed we should share it with you.
1. You put other people first. When we visited our dad in the hospital and the rehabilitation center, as much as he welcomed our company, he often told us to give a bigger proportion of our time to mom even if it meant less time for him. That was typical of his attitude for his whole life.
2. You always try to do the right thing. Our dad wasn’t interested in seeing what he could get away with or what obligations he could avoid. He was a man of integrity.
3. You’re always glad to see me (us). Everyone should have someone who shows that your presence is always welcome.
4. You’re funny. And that’s not easy when English is a second language or when the “happy side of life” is not always apparent.
5. You left the world a catchphrase. It’s applicable in all situations: “PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE.”
6. You don’t retaliate. We don’t recall a situation where our dad aimed to “get even” with anybody. He was forgiving and a peacemaker.
7. You work hard. As an employee, a volunteer, a husband, a parent and grandparent, a friend and neighbor, our dad was never lazy. He exceeded requirements. It was always harder to get him to stop than start.
8. You are patient. He wasn’t always patient with situations, but he was patient with people.
9. You’re better than you should be. Our dad’s story had many chapters that would make a trauma hunter gasp. He could have easily developed into a wounded, bitter, self-absorbed person. But he was not. He also had reason to boast of his successes, especially from such difficult beginnings, but he remained humble and generous. He wouldn’t have said so, but he was incredibly resilient and would credit that to his faith in God.
10. You lived a long time. Dad was always physically strong (really committed to diet and exercise) and followed doctor’s orders. While we deeply mourn his loss, we know his life on earth ended just when it was supposed to.
James Marks, August 7, 2019, Age 94. Beloved husband of Dessie for 69 years. Dear father of Larry (Linda), Tim (Valeri) and the late Ron (Cheryle). Cherished grandfather of 8 and great-grandfather of 9.
The Funeral Service will be on Wednesday 10 a.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd. (between Maple and Big Beaver), 248-362-2500. The family will receive friends will be on Tuesday 4-6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorials to Grace Baptist Church, Birmingham.
~Lovingly Submitted by the Family~
1. You put other people first. When we visited our dad in the hospital and the rehabilitation center, as much as he welcomed our company, he often told us to give a bigger proportion of our time to mom even if it meant less time for him. That was typical of his attitude for his whole life.
2. You always try to do the right thing. Our dad wasn’t interested in seeing what he could get away with or what obligations he could avoid. He was a man of integrity.
3. You’re always glad to see me (us). Everyone should have someone who shows that your presence is always welcome.
4. You’re funny. And that’s not easy when English is a second language or when the “happy side of life” is not always apparent.
5. You left the world a catchphrase. It’s applicable in all situations: “PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE.”
6. You don’t retaliate. We don’t recall a situation where our dad aimed to “get even” with anybody. He was forgiving and a peacemaker.
7. You work hard. As an employee, a volunteer, a husband, a parent and grandparent, a friend and neighbor, our dad was never lazy. He exceeded requirements. It was always harder to get him to stop than start.
8. You are patient. He wasn’t always patient with situations, but he was patient with people.
9. You’re better than you should be. Our dad’s story had many chapters that would make a trauma hunter gasp. He could have easily developed into a wounded, bitter, self-absorbed person. But he was not. He also had reason to boast of his successes, especially from such difficult beginnings, but he remained humble and generous. He wouldn’t have said so, but he was incredibly resilient and would credit that to his faith in God.
10. You lived a long time. Dad was always physically strong (really committed to diet and exercise) and followed doctor’s orders. While we deeply mourn his loss, we know his life on earth ended just when it was supposed to.
James Marks, August 7, 2019, Age 94. Beloved husband of Dessie for 69 years. Dear father of Larry (Linda), Tim (Valeri) and the late Ron (Cheryle). Cherished grandfather of 8 and great-grandfather of 9.
The Funeral Service will be on Wednesday 10 a.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd. (between Maple and Big Beaver), 248-362-2500. The family will receive friends will be on Tuesday 4-6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorials to Grace Baptist Church, Birmingham.
~Lovingly Submitted by the Family~
Visitation
A. J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home
2600 Crooks Road (btw Maple & Big Beaver)
Troy, MI US 48084
Troy, MI US 48084
Funeral Service
A. J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home
2600 Crooks Road (btw Maple & Big Beaver)
Troy, MI US 48084
Troy, MI US 48084
Grace Baptist Church
280 E. Lincoln
Birmingham, MI 48009
Birmingham, MI 48009
