James Clay Marsh was born February 28, 1973 on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. An adventure seeker from the start, he sent his parents, Russell and Beverly Reed Marsh on a pre-dawn drive to the hospital at Clark Air Force base for his delivery during the martial law curfew hours. After a harrowing ride through military-occupied streets, they welcomed a beautiful blue-eyed boy destined to change the world. His love of adventure and family never ceased until his passing on January 18, 2020 in Tucson. Although often on the move seeking adventures alongside his beloved brothers Matthew and Peter in his hometown of Memphis, about as often he could be found curled up reading a book, animating his own stories, or perched in a tree imagining a world of knights and dragons. Like the knights of his stories and imagination, he was fiercely loyal, protective, brave and loving, first toward his little sister Jenny, then his cherished children Katie, Alex and Aaron, and wife, Baran. From an early age, James displayed remarkable talents in academics, athletics and art. He participated in football and wrestling at White Station High School, and excelled in all areas of school. He won numerous academic awards and was recognized as a National Merit Semi-Finalist. He earned both a full scholarship for his undergraduate degree in Biology at Mississippi College and full sponsorship of his medical school program through the Navy Medical Corps. He completed Officer Indoctrination School in August 1996 with the Naval Reserve. After graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 2000, he was accepted into and thrived in a highly competitive Neurological Surgery residency at Rush Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Anticipating the birth of his daughter Katie in 2004, he recognized that life as a neurosurgeon was not compatible with the kind of family life he desired, and decided to pursue a new direction in his career so that he could be present and active in his daughter’s life. He worked as a physician at the Naval Station at Great Lakes, Illinois, then actively deployed overseas as a Lieutenant Commander in the Persian Gulf Region. Two in-country excursions with the Marine Expeditionary Forces included treating injured soldiers on the ground and at sea as part of the Global War on Terror. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 2007, James pursued a second residency in Radiation Oncology at Rush Presbyterian. The birth of his son Alex in 2010 was followed by a relocation to Arizona in 2011 where he began his career in oncology. A prolific author in the field of oncology research, his lifelong goal was to improve treatments for and eventually cure brain cancer. He often spoke of moving home to Tennessee and was offered many professional opportunities outside Arizona, but he was committed to remaining close to his children. That commitment was rewarded with meeting his beloved wife, Baran Farahani. They wed in 2015 and, through multiple career moves and relocations, she remained his loving partner. They welcomed son Aaron in 2016. Despite a demanding career, James cherished the opportunity to spend time with his wife and children. His commitment and devotion to his wife was at the core of their relationship. James celebrated the individuality and gifts of each of his children, and there was no sacrifice too great for his family. He passed on his love of learning and adventure to Katie, Alex and Aaron. James will be sorely missed by his family, colleagues and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of scholarship, friendship, generosity and, most importantly, unconditional love. He is survived by his wife Baran, children Katherine, Alexander and Aaron; parents Russell and Beverly; brothers Matthew (Laurie) and Peter (Courtney), sister Jennifer (Robert Dixon). He is also survived by 7 nieces and nephews.
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