James Ellis Marks Sr.

James (“Jim”) Ellis Marks Sr., a long-time resident of Monahans and Granbury, Texas, passed away in Granbury on September 18, 2022, at the age of 89.

Jim was born in Redlands, California, on May 14, 1933, to Royal Donald Marks Sr. and Mary Cecilia Carr Marks; he was the eldest of three children. After spending his formative years in California and Arizona, he graduated from North High School in Phoenix and attended the University of Arizona. A military veteran, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion.

Jim met Carol Louise Glahn in Arizona in 1955. Following their courtship, they were married in Phoenix in 1956. They moved to Monahans in 1958 where he started his 40-year career with Texas Electric Service Company and Texas Utilities. Together, they raised four children in a Christian household filled with love and laughter.

After his retirement in 1998, Jim and Carol moved into their new home in Granbury’s Pecan Plantation. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; playing golf, poker and dominos; and hanging out with his beloved dog, Chachi.

While living in Monahans, he was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church. In Granbury, he was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.

Jim was preceded in death by both of his parents, Royal Donald Marks Sr. and Mary Cecilia Carr Marks; by his brother, Royal Donald Marks Jr.; and by his great-grandsons, Jacob Rhett Herbold and Joel Stephen Herbold.

Jim is survived by Carol, his wife of 66 years, and their children: Keryn Marks Herbold of Granbury; Mary Lynn Marks Tarvin (Michael Tarvin) of Coppell, Texas; James E. Marks Jr. (Veronica Barranco Marks) of Lewisville, Texas; and Kathleen Marks McLaurin (Cary McCamey) of Granbury.

Jim is also survived by 10 grandchildren, who adored their “Pops”: Joshua Herbold (Cari); Jacob Herbold (Katie); John Herbold; Tyler Tarvin (Andrea); Layci Tarvin Shannon (Mark); Tanner Tarvin (Sarah); James E. Marks III; Andrew Marks (Kaley); Matthew McLaurin (April); and Daniel McLaurin.

In addition, he is survived by 12 great-grandchildren: Julia Herbold; Jenna Herbold; Allie Herbold; Jesse Herbold; Jase Herbold; Joseph Herbold; Case Shannon; Reagan Shannon; Tyson Tarvin; Aiden Wright; Finley McLaurin; and Maisie McLaurin. They certainly kept Pops on his toes and laughing in his later years.

Jim is also survived by his sister, Mary Jeanne Marks Ocampo, of Torrance, California, and the families of both of his siblings.

Jim was extremely proud of his family and the life he provided for them; he was good man. The cherished memories of his heart of gold and laughter will be blessings to his family and friends.

A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 13, at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Granbury. Following the services, the family will receive guests during a reception in the parish hall. After the reception, he will be interred privately in Acton Cemetery in Hood County, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or American Legion Charities (www.legion.org).