Jack was an active member of the Air Force, stationed in Arizona. He retired from Central Maloney. At that time, along with his brothers, he formed Marks Land Company, and developed subdivisions in Pine Bluff, AR and Harrison, AR. He then formed Marks House of Realty with his wife. He taught drafting at Pines Vocational Technical School periodically. Jack attended and completed college at the University of Arkansas at Monticello where he majored in forestry. He was a member of the Six Point Hunting Club, Homebuilders Association and Pine Bluff Board of Realty. He was a founding board member of Chapel Academy in Pine Bluff, assisted in the formation of the Sulpher Springs Saddle Club. Jack was a longtime member and deacon at Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, and also designed the sanctuary and fellowship halls of the church. He loved spending time with his family, camping, horseback riding and hunting with his grandchildren. He loved the outdoors and never missed a chance to go hunting or fishing, or to be at Jack's House at his deer camp at Six Point Hunting Club. He earned his black belt in taekwondo when in he was 58, and was always very active.
He is survived by his three daughters, Pat Stephens of Yukon, OK; Barbara Childs (David) of Searcy, AR; and Julie Cearley (Wilbur) of Sherwood, AR; one brother, Joe Marks (Linda) of Bella Vista, AR; grandchildren, Todd Doss (Joanne) of Winter Springs, FL, Shawn Sloan of Yukon, OK, Corey Sloan of Yukon, OK, Stephanie Bradford (John) of Edmond, OK, Derek Stephens (Shelley) of Bartlesville, OK, Jason Marchand (Jenny) of Waterville, ME, Jeremy Childs (Kristi) of Olive Branch, MS, Holly Lamm of Elkin, NC, Micah Childs of Searcy, AR, Moriah Childs of Sherwood, AR, Shelby Waters (Billy) Watson, AR, Lindsay Neimeier (Rich) of North Little Rock, AR, Bryan Cearley of Cabot, AR, and Amanda Mackey (Steve) of Greenbrier, AR; and 31 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in Monticello. Burial will be by Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello, AR. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(5)
Lori Smith
PITTSBURG, KS Sunday, March 28, 2021 So sorry to Pat, Barbara, Julie and all his grandkids for this loss. Sad to have missed his service and seeing family. Many great memories of my Uncle Jack and Aunt Nita. Best times were when I got to visit on my own and had them all to myself. Thankful for all the grandkids, nieces and nephews who had him in their lives, what a blessing. He will be missed.Evelyn Cash
Rison, AR Friday, March 26, 2021 Julie, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I will always remember his kindness toward me during our Chapel Academy years. May precious memories comfort you during this sad time.Larry Smith
Cedar Hill, TX Thursday, March 25, 2021 Jack was more than an uncle to me…he was a mentor, a teacher, a friend, a confidant, and a father-figure as my own dad passed away. The things I learned from Jack are far too many to list here. The “how-to” lessons were many, but the life lessons were many more and I’m a better man for having him in my life. I know that there are many of you who would say the same thing.I will miss him terribly, but he is in a much better place and I have a vivid memory that is a glimpse of what happened when he opened his eyes in Heaven. Kathie and I had the privilege of taking Jack to see Nita in the hospital before she passed away. They had been unable to see each other for some time and the reunion we witnessed that day was filled with more joy, love, and tenderness than I have ever seen. It was a sight I will never forget and immediately thought of it when I heard he was gone. What a sweet reunion they had in Heaven.
Dick Thompson
Pittsburg, KS Tuesday, March 23, 2021 Jack Marks was many good things to many people, but to me as a brother-in-law of only 11 years, one of his most defining characteristics was being a true gentleman.Funny, smart, helpful, playful, giving, loving Jack was all these things and more, but he seemed to belong to a vanishing breed of men: Gracious, courteous, welcoming and well-spoken, he quickly earned the affection and respect of those fortunate enough to meet and know him.
He seemed to be known not so much as "Mr. Marks", but as "Jack" to many, and "Mr. Jack" to many more. We have all lost a strong, kind, gentle spirit from our lives.
You are loved and missed, Gentleman Jack.
Stefanie,John,Tanner,and Ravyn
Rdmond, OK Monday, March 22, 2021 Rest In Peace dear sweet Jack.