James E. Markham, the son of Clark Edward and Mildred Rachel (Vincent) Markham, was born June 11, 1935, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. He attended Plattsmouth High School, graduating in 1953. Jim enlisted in the Kentucky National Guard and served his country for three years. Following Jim’s honorable discharge in 1956, he entered the United States Air Force and served until July 1961. On August 26, 1955, Jim was united in marriage to Wanita Deel in Charlestown, Indiana. They became the parents of Cynthia and Gerald. They later divorced. In 1962, they moved to Bellevue, Nebraska, where Jim was employed with Northern Natural Gas Company. In 1967, they moved to Rock Port, Missouri, where Jim lived at the present time. In the mid 1980’s, Jim was united in marriage to Ann L. Heits. They made their home in Rock Port. Ann passed away in August of 2009. Jim was very civic minded. He was a member of the Rock Port United Methodist Church, a former Rock Port City Councilman, President of Rock Port Chamber of Commerce, President of Rotary Club, Rock Port Volunteer Fireman, an EMT on the Atchison County Ambulance service and sang Barbershop. Jim was a dedicated Shriner and was a member of multiple Temples and participated in all of their events. He was also a member of the Ralph Greer American Legion Post # 49, Rock Port, North Star Masonic Lodge # 157 A.F. & A.M., Rock Port, and Moose Lodge in Wayne, Nebraska. Jim enjoyed driving his motor home and buying and selling cars and golf carts. Jim passed away Thursday, April 21, 2016, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, at the age of 80. Besides his parents and wife, Ann, Jim was preceded in death by sisters, Patricia Wright and Evelyn Peterson; and brother, Robert Markham. Survivors include daughter, Cynthia L. McDonough and husband, Jeff, Odebolt, Iowa; son, Gerald E. Markham and wife, June, Shawnee, Kansas; three grandchildren, Dustin McDonough and wife, Kim, Holly Jones and husband, Steve and Jacob Markham; two great-grandchildren, George Jones and Maeva Jones; two brothers, Don Markham and Fred Markham; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Private Graveside Memorial Service and Inurnment was held Saturday, May 14, 2016, Hunter Cemetery, Rock Port. The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Rock Port United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flower, memorials to Shriner Children’s Hospital or Alzheimer’s Association. Online obituaries and condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.
James E. Markham
May 18, 2016