James Mark M. English

James Marquis English was born in Portland, Oregon on November 7, 1925 to parents James Marquis and Clara (Eie) English. He had one sibling, a sister, Crystal. Mark’s father passed away when he was only 15 months old. His mother Clara worked as a nurse and raised Mark and Crystal on her own. Income was supplemented by taking in ‘boarders’. Mark attended and graduated from Grant High School in Northeast Portland. In high school, Mark played the trumpet in his high school band. Following high school, Mark enlisted in the US Navy in January 1944. He received an early and honorable medical discharge in March 1944. He continued to support the war effort working in the Portland Shipyards following his discharge from the Navy. Upon the conclusion of WWII, Mark went to work for Western Union and began a lifelong career as a repair technician where he fixed and maintained teletype machines. It was with Western Union, in February of 1952, that he met Patricia Stineman during a service call. Intrigued, he asked her to lunch. That was soon followed with an evening at the Portland Opera where Patricia sang. That sealed the deal for Mark; they were married in June. As a new family, they bought a house and lived in North Portland. In July of 1953, their first child Thomas was born. In March 1957 , their second child, a daughter, Dianne, was born. Mark and Pat were members of Westminster Presbyterian Church and both taught Sunday school there. In 1965 the family moved to a home in the Cedar Hills neighborhood west of Portland.

Mark was a Boy Scouts leader and he enjoyed camping with his family. He also enjoyed rock hounding, photography, and he appreciated classical music, including opera.

Mark is predeceased by his loving wife Pat; parents James and Clara; and his sister, Crystal. He is survived by his son, Tom English; daughter, Dianne Young; grandchildren: Carmen, Alyssa, Christina, and Jenna; his very devoted and special caregiver, Xinia; and his loyal terrier companion, Missy.

Mark will be privately laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, Oregon. At a time yet to be determined a friends and family ceremony will be held to celebrate Mark’s life and memory.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to the charitable organization of your choice.

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