Jim E. Marks

Jim Marks was born on August 15, 1934, to the late Ethel (Nelson) and Floyd Marks in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in Midtown Kansas City and attended Central High School. Shortly after high school, Jim married the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Marilyn Sue Schupfer. Jim was a devoted husband and together they had a once-in-a-lifetime love. They were true partners and best friends. Their wonderful marriage produced 5 children: Pamela Grenier (Bill), Joel Marks (deceased), Darrell Marks (Mary), Leonard Marks (Terri) and Richard Marks (Kim). They were blessed with 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

As a young man, Jim dabbled with many different career options. From a short order cook, to selling Wearever Cooking Utensils door to door, to receiving his Mechanics Certificate and Powerplant Rating issued by the Administration of Civil Aeronautics he proved to be very well rounded. In the late 1950’s, Jim worked in real estate sales part-time while learning the homebuilding business. He then partnered with Dick Masters and began Marks and Masters homebuilding company in the mid 1960’s. He later started his own company, Marks Homes, building and developing residential homes and neighborhoods in Kansas and Missouri for 32 years.

Through the years Jim loved to golf, play cards, and travel with Marilyn and friends. Jim was very proud that he completely restored a 1965 ½ red Mustang convertible. He was also a talented woodworker making gifts for family and doing projects around the house. One of Jim’s greatest joys in life however was his family. His children and grandchildren had immense respect for him and would frequently turn to him for guidance and advice. He was always willing to help with projects or share his wisdom and experience. He was an excellent provider and devoted father. From building a home on acreage on 150 Highway so Pam could have a horse, to being present for every game from little league to graduation, to providing sponsorship through Marks Homes for many of his children’s sports teams, he worked hard to love and support his family.

Jim and Marilyn retired to the Lake of the Ozarks in 1997 where he spent many years golfing, shooting, playing cards, and developing meaningful friendships at the Elks. He loved spending time at the lake with his children and grandchildren boating and teaching them to fish.

The couple returned to the Kansas City area in 2014 to be closer to family, renew old friendships and make new ones. They loved getting together with friends and family for card games or to share a meal. He never lost his sense of humor, zest for life or kind heart.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Nelson, his father, Floyd Marks, his son, Joel Marks, and his two sisters, Clylene Vega and LaVerne Gross. He peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family on March 24, 2022.

A visitation will be held for Jim at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, 555 W Main Street, Gardner, KS at 10:00am on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00am at the same location. The burial will take place after the service at Versailles Cemetery at 598 Clay Road in Versailles, MO.