James Leroy Marker, 83, passed away May 31, 2025, at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne, IN. He was born on March 11, 1942, in Mishawaka, IN, the son of the late Harold Leroy Marker and Geraldine Mable Walters.
James graduated from New Haven High School, New Haven, IN in 1960. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves.
He worked at Fort Wayne Structural Steel and Almet, Inc. and later became the owner of Marker Detailing Co. specializing in architectural steel design.
Music was a lifelong passion for him. He especially enjoyed listening to 60s and 70s music and loved playing the saxophone with bands including The Clefs, The Knight Five, Borrowed Time, and Spike and the Bulldogs. He had a passion for spending time outdoors and going on adventures in nature with his family and friends, including canoe trips, boating, bike rides, and snowmobiling.
He was a man of unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, which shaped every part of his life. He deeply loved his family and cherished every moment spent with them. His kindness, generosity, and selfless heart touched everyone who knew him—he would do anything for those he loved. His legacy of faith, love, and joyful living continues to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Sue Ann Marker of Fort Wayne, IN; children, Scott (Annette) Marker, Nicole (Guy) Dupuis, Mary (Patrick) Smith, Erica (Chris) Shafer and sister, Terry Putman, all of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Brooke (Evan) Gates, Mitchell (Taylor Rodriguez) Dupuis, Matthew Dupuis, Brandon Marker, Britney Marker, Bradley Marker, Braden Marker, Caleb (Ryley) Smith, Christian (Sarah) Shafer, Cameron (Payton) Shafer, Colin Shafer; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Elmer Walters.
Funeral Service will be 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at D.O. McComb and Sons, Pine Valley Park - Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN, with visitation starting at 2:00 pm until 5:00pm. Private committal and burial at Lindenwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana or (DSANI) Down Syndrome Association of NE Indiana.
