James Marking

James (Jim) Robert Marking, 67, of Sun City West, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Jim was born in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Joseph George and Elizabeth Mathilda Marking. Jim’s parents moved the family to Phoenix, Arizona, when he was five years old. Jim joined the United States Air Force in 1973 and served until 1977. Jim met Janet (Jan) Mullin Stewart and her young son, Joe, in 1979. Jim and Jan married and became a happy family in 1982. They were blessed with their daughter Amy in 1983. She brought great joy to their lives. Jim is survived by his wife, Jan; their daughter, Amy (Tech) Tan; six grandchildren, Nicolas Stewart, Jacob Stewart, Rebecca Stewart, Jack Tan, Ian Tan, and Asher Tan; one great-grandchild, Alaina Stewart; sisters Margie (Wilbert Knickmeier), Barbara (Ralph) McKinney, and Nancy Hauge; brothers, Joe (Maria), and Dennis (Denise); and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Mike; and his sisters, Mary St. John and Georgian Miller. Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and was always making us laugh with his witty jokes. He could build and fix just about anything, and he used his skills to help anyone in need of assistance. Jim loved nature, the great outdoors and keeping busy. He enjoyed building and flying RC planes and helicopters, camping, hiking, rock hounding (he was an avid collector of rocks, minerals and fossils), going on road trips and cruises, fishing, boating, sailing, riding his motorcycle, studying astronomy, and star gazing. Jim also had a love for animals. He and his family had many pets through the years, including dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, a rooster, Sulcata tortoises, a pot-bellied pig, and as a hobby, raising and breeding various species of birds. Jim worked at the Water Treatment Plant, for the City of Phoenix. He retired in 2018, after 11 years of service. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, sibling and friend. He was a good listener and had pleasant interactions with everyone fortunate enough to meet him. He loved spending time with family and friends – he brought a lot of joy to our lives and we will miss him greatly. At Jim’s request, there will be no funeral services. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be announced at a later date.