James Augusta Marks, Sr. (Jim), beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend age 85, of Tallahassee, Florida passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born on December 31, 1931 in Whitman, WV and lived for many years in New Jersey before retiring to Florida in 1993. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Phyllis.
A US Air Force veteran, Jim served during the Korean War from 1952 to 1955. He drove a bus for NJ Transit for 38 years. It is estimated that he drove through the Lincoln Tunnel 56,000 times. Jim also owned and operated the Middlesex Travel Club. For many years he worked closely with local Senior Citizen groups running day excursions and charter trips. Widely traveled, Jim visited 49 of the 50 states as well as other countries during his time in the Air Force. Despite being so well traveled, Jim was happiest at home. A true New Yorks Giants fan he drove weekly charters for the South River Knights of Columbus to Giants home games for many years.
He was a star athlete at East Side High School in Newark, NJ where he excelled at baseball and basketball . He was drafted to play minor league baseball for his beloved NY Yankees. His love of sports continued throughout his life and he found great pleasure watching his children and grandchildren play several sports. He loved rooting for every New York team except the Mets.
When he wasn’t working, Jim enjoyed working with his hands and liked gardening and woodworking. After he retired, he enjoyed making furniture. His grandchildren were the recipients of his handcrafted pieces.
Jim found his greatest joy when surrounded by his family. In addition to being survived by his loving wife are his children; Ronald and Joan (Meehan) Marks of Long Valley, NJ. Donald and Margaret (Dresden) Marks of Morris Plains, NJ, Karen and Jeff Cregar of High Bridge, NJ, Julie and Glenn Robitaille of Dunellen, NJ and James, Jr and Aubree (Campo) Marks of Tallahassee, FL. twelve grandchildren; Ryan and Meredith Marks, of Richmond, VA, Kaitlin Marks of Long Valley, NJ, Nicole Marks of Boston, MS, Michelle Marks, of Morris Plains, NJ, Jacob, Zachary and Nicholas Cregar of High Bridge, NJ, Gabriel Robitaille of Philadelphia, PA, Daniel and Michael Robitaille of Dunellen, NJ, Madeline and Ethan Marks of Tallahassee, Fl. His Sister Mary Lou Rizzolo of Bushkill, PA and brother Carlos of Lascassas, TN, as well as his many nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his wife Doris Jean (Steele) in 1963, his father Adelino in 1976, his mother Edith in 1992 and his sister Wanda June Stragalas in 2010.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Gowen Funeral Home 239 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ on Saturday, April 15, 2017 from 11 am to 1pm.
In lieu of flowers donations are requested to be made to the charity of your choice in his name.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mr. James Marks, please visit our flower store.
A US Air Force veteran, Jim served during the Korean War from 1952 to 1955. He drove a bus for NJ Transit for 38 years. It is estimated that he drove through the Lincoln Tunnel 56,000 times. Jim also owned and operated the Middlesex Travel Club. For many years he worked closely with local Senior Citizen groups running day excursions and charter trips. Widely traveled, Jim visited 49 of the 50 states as well as other countries during his time in the Air Force. Despite being so well traveled, Jim was happiest at home. A true New Yorks Giants fan he drove weekly charters for the South River Knights of Columbus to Giants home games for many years.
He was a star athlete at East Side High School in Newark, NJ where he excelled at baseball and basketball . He was drafted to play minor league baseball for his beloved NY Yankees. His love of sports continued throughout his life and he found great pleasure watching his children and grandchildren play several sports. He loved rooting for every New York team except the Mets.
When he wasn’t working, Jim enjoyed working with his hands and liked gardening and woodworking. After he retired, he enjoyed making furniture. His grandchildren were the recipients of his handcrafted pieces.
Jim found his greatest joy when surrounded by his family. In addition to being survived by his loving wife are his children; Ronald and Joan (Meehan) Marks of Long Valley, NJ. Donald and Margaret (Dresden) Marks of Morris Plains, NJ, Karen and Jeff Cregar of High Bridge, NJ, Julie and Glenn Robitaille of Dunellen, NJ and James, Jr and Aubree (Campo) Marks of Tallahassee, FL. twelve grandchildren; Ryan and Meredith Marks, of Richmond, VA, Kaitlin Marks of Long Valley, NJ, Nicole Marks of Boston, MS, Michelle Marks, of Morris Plains, NJ, Jacob, Zachary and Nicholas Cregar of High Bridge, NJ, Gabriel Robitaille of Philadelphia, PA, Daniel and Michael Robitaille of Dunellen, NJ, Madeline and Ethan Marks of Tallahassee, Fl. His Sister Mary Lou Rizzolo of Bushkill, PA and brother Carlos of Lascassas, TN, as well as his many nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his wife Doris Jean (Steele) in 1963, his father Adelino in 1976, his mother Edith in 1992 and his sister Wanda June Stragalas in 2010.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Gowen Funeral Home 239 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ on Saturday, April 15, 2017 from 11 am to 1pm.
In lieu of flowers donations are requested to be made to the charity of your choice in his name.
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