Rev. James Edward Marks

Reverend James Edward (JE) Marks was born January 2, 1930 in Indianola, Mississippi to Joe and Josie Marks. He departed this life on February 4,2023.

Brought up in the church, Rev. Marks was baptized by the late Rev S.L. Sanders of the St. John Baptist Church, Indianola, Mississippi at the age of 10. As a young adult, Rev. Marks was offered an opportunity to bring his family to Cleveland, Ohio by his late cousin Beau.
Leaving Mississippi with an 8th grade education, JE went on to receive certification as a lathe operator and worked at Grambling Manufacturing, Ohio Crankshaft eventually retiring from Buckeye Forge in 1986.

Later in life, Rev. Marks would meet and marry his second wife Rose who preceded him in death (July 2022).

Rev. Marks was ordained as a founding Deacon of the Starlight Missionary Baptist Church by the late Dr. Edward Small. He would later join Second Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorship of the late Dr. W.C. Crayton. During this stewardship Rev. Marks accepted the call and was ordained as a minister of the Word of God. Listening to the direction from God, Rev Marks went on to pastor Jordan Stream Missionary Baptist Church. Over the next twenty years, Rev. Marks was actively involved in church leadership at the local, state, and national levels serving as Vice-Moderator of Leadership Roles at the Ohio Baptist State Convention, the United Missionary Baptist State Convention of Ohio, and the National Baptist Convention U.S.A Inc. Rev. Marks over the years was a true spiritual mentor to numerous younger ecclesiastical clergy over the years.

Rev. Marks was preceded in death by his parents (Joe and Josie), his first wife (Josie) and second wife (Rose), his eldest daughter (Doris), seven sisters (Elvie, Annie, Beatrice, Lillian, Margaret, LueRean, and Mattie) and son-in-law Selwyn. His legacy lives on in his surviving children James (Valerie) Marks, Ricky (Cynthia) Marks, Patricia May, Deborah (Danny) Cook, Janet Quarterman, and Joseph Marks. Rev. Marks also leaves to mourn a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Rev. Dr. James Edward Marks will forever be known as a man who loved his family and genuinely loved people and was a true example of a "Man of God" even in his last days. His wisdom, demeanor, wit, humor, and love will truly be missed by all who had the honor of interacting with him over this ninety- three-year journey.