Obituary of Samuel James "Jimmy" Marks

Jimmy was born September 21, 1936 in Sullivan Mines, Quebec and he passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 15, 2023 in Shawville, Quebec. Beloved son of the late James Marks and of the late Ethel Davidson. Loving husband of 59 wonderful years of marriage to Shirley Marks (nee Roy). Cherished father of Sean Marks (Mary Jean Holbrook). Devoted grandfather to his 3 grandsons; Bryan, Wyatt and Colton. He leaves to mourn his sisters-in-laws; Hazel Bourgeau, Stella Trafford and Norma Twolan.

Jimmy, as he was known to everybody, grew up on a farm just outside of Quyon, Quebec (Wyman, Quebec). He lived there and just across the street for over 70 years before moving to Aylmer in his later years.

Jimmy was very active in both local baseball and hockey playing for the Quyon Flyers and many other teams. He worked for 35 years at the Hilton Mines and Lamarche McGuinty operations in Bristol Mines. He then moved onto driving a school bus for Baie Transport for almost 25 years, retiring from the buses in his 80^th year.

Dad always had numerous side jobs on the go and this ranged from running a farm (while working at a full time regular day job) to selling firewood cut from our bush lot, to frequenting garage sales as a buyer and selling those same items (at a slight markup lol) at the old Stittsville Flea Market.

Dad had varied and wide-ranging interests. He had an intense interest in politics and national and international news with at least one newspaper a day being read by him for as long as I can remember. The 6pm newscast was always a daily staple. Other passions included target practice and skeet shooting, hunting, baseball (Expos then Jays) hockey (Toronto Maple Leafs). Every year when the Leafs would let us down, I would say “Maybe next year Dad!”. The last few years he always slyly replied “Ya, but I’m running out of next years!”. He also enjoyed watching his grandsons play hockey and baseball which he did as often as he could.

Dad always had a love of animals and only in his last few years did he not have a dog and/or cat to keep him company and for him to love and care for.

Other items he will always be remembered for include his love of heat in the winter and for having a pool table in our basement at home. What fun that was over the years as many stopped by to play pool. If this was in winter time, the basement was usually at or near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The woodstove that heated our home was down there, and for Dad it was full tilt when it came to heat. Many an unsuspecting visitor left red-faced; repeat visitors knew to dress lightly even if it was -30 outside!

Dad was a humorous, caring and loving son, husband, father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and grandfather. He had a quick wit and was full of memorable sayings and stories. His honesty and belief in doing the right thing will never be forgotten. We will always cherish so many memories of a life well lived.

He was nothing if not stoic – of the stiff upper lip and Irish tough love type - but quick to give compassion and forgiveness when and where it was needed (perfect parenting in my opinion LOL!). One of my favorite quotes of all time comes to mind. I know it says men, but it applies to so many women and men that have passed on before. It fits Dad to a tee – both in how he viewed life and death and how he would want us to go forward now that he is gone:

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” General George S. Patton Jr.

Jimmy will be laid to rest during a private graveside service at the Norway Bay United Church Cemetery on September 26, 2023.

Heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Dr. Pascal Croteau for years of excellent support and care and to all of the doctors, nurses and staff at the PCH for such wonderful care during Dad’s time there this summer.

Donations to the Pontiac Community Hospital Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be appreciated.