James Marks

JAMES R. MARKS ROCK FALLS- James R. Marks, 79, died, Saturday, November, 20, 2010 at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. He was a retired electrician from Parish Alford and owned Furnace Vac Power Cleaning. James was born March 15, 1931 in Muncie, IN, the son of Ralph and Mildred (Marks) Tutterow. He served in the United States Navy on an aircraft carrier, during the Korean War. He married Virginia "Ginny" M. Beckley on March 21, 1954 in Rock Falls at the First Christian Church Disiples of Christ. He then married Mary E. Berry on February 14, 2000. James was a Certified Flight Instructor and a Fixed Base Operator / Airport Manager at the Whiteside County Airport. He was a long time member of the Twin Cities Air Activities flying club and shared his passion for flight with many individuals by introducing them to freedoms enjoyed by pilots. He enjoyed flying, travel, NASCAR, and was a former stock car driver at the Speedbowl Park. He was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Sterling. Survivors include, two daughters, Tanya Brooks of Dixon and Tammy (Don) Blair of Allen, TX; two sons, Scott Marks and James A. (Tammy) Marks both of Rock Falls; one half-sister, Gail (Jim) Wright; one half-brother, Harold Marks, nine grandchildren, Harry, Dru, Redric, Creedence, Brandon, Rachel, Shane, Grant, and Anna; and his companion, Dorothy Riddick. He was preceded in death by his wife Virgina on February 19, 1999 and wife Mary on March 14, 2001 and half-sister, Janet Mills. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, with the Reverend David Yonker, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Coloma Township Cemetery, Rock Falls. Visitation will be Monday from 4-6 PM at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been established to the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Sterling. Condolences may be sent to schillingfuneralhome@hotmail.com.