James "Mark/Jim" Marquardt, 84, a resident of Avonlea Cottage, Milan, formerly of Jacksonville, FL, went to be with the Lord August 13, 2016.

Memorial services and inurnment, with military honors conducted by the U.S. Air Force, will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7th, at Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7th at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 E. 4th Ave., Milan, IL. Memorials may be made to the Midwest Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association.

Jim was born on July 24, 1932 in Akron, OH, the son of William and Alice.  He retired from U.S. Air Force in 1972 as MSgt/96th Avionics Maintenance Squardon SAC, after 21 years of service.  While stationed in Tucson, AZ, he met and married Dorothy Gibbs Owens.   He later graduated from college and worked as a Layout Artist in Jacksonville.

Although Jim was a quiet man, he was quick witted and spoke the truth.  He amazed friends and family with his sleight of hand magic and could bring a beautiful painting to life as a self-taught artist.  He learned God's word by studying the Bible and enjoyed history and thriller novels.  Jim was known to share a cooking recipe, spend time visiting with his American Legion friends, enjoy a night at the symphony, and visit the rifle range.  He was an interesting man to say the least.

He was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, FL.

Jim is survived by his brother, Robert (Vivian), Jacksonville, FL, his children, Ed (Muriel) Owens, Alvin, TX, Terry (Sherlyn) Owens, Jacksonville, FL, and Sue Conroy (Randy Burton), Rock Island, and nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, Bill.

His family wishes to thank everyone from Avonlea Cottage who cared for "Blue Eyes", as well as, the care given by Hospice Compassus.