James A. Marks

Madison -- James A. Marks, age 82, a long time resident of Madison, died on Monday, April 13, 2009, at HospiceCare in Fitchburg, WI due to cancer. He was born on October 9, 1926 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, the son of Alvin and Sally (Hedin) Marks. He married Marilyn Kaul in Chicago in 1949.   Marilyn passed away in 1978.   James then married his second wife June, who was born in England, and died in 1994.   Professor Marks entered the U.S. Navy in 1944. He received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and received his MS degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue.   He then spent three years in a variety of engineering assignments at Badger Ordinance Works in Baraboo, WI.   In 1954 Professor Marks came to the University of Wisconsin as an Instructor in Engineering Drawing and Descriptive Geometry.   In 1956 he was appointed Engineering Placement Director and subsequently was named Professor in General Engineering.   He was a member of the Midwest College Placement Association, served on numerous committees, was twice elected Vice-President and in 1972 was elected President.   In 1987 Professor Marks was awarded Honorary Life Membership in MCPA and was also awarded Professor Emeritus status by the University.   He had several articles published in the Journal of College Placement and did consulting work in the field of technical manpower recruiting.   Activities with student groups include over ten years as the faculty advisor to Polygon Engineering Council, associate member of Triangle fraternity and honorary member of Kappa Eta Kappa.   In 1987 he was named Outstanding Faculty Member of the year by Tau Beta Pi. James retired from his career in 1986 and enjoyed several around-the-world trips with June.   James was a World War II veteran and was active in the U.S. Naval Reserves for fifteen years following his enlisted service.   He was also active in a number of civic groups including being elected to the Dane County Board of Supervisors in 1957 and was twice re-elected.   In January 1960 he was elected Alderman of Madison's Common Council and was subsequently re-elected in 1961 and again in 1963.   James was listed ""Who's Who in America"".   James was also proud of his Norwegian heritage being a member of the Sons of Norway, Torske Klubben of Madison, and a fellow in the Vesterheim Foundation.  He was a member of the Wisconsin Rapids American Legion Post 9 for 64 years.   James is survived by his four sons from his first marriage, Kenneth, Jonathan, David (special friend Kathy Cruice), Robert and daughter-in-law Susan all of Madison; step-son, David (Carol) Belt; grandchildren, Gregory, Kirsten, Justin, Lauren and Brandy Anne; and several other relatives and friends.   James was preceded in death by his parents, his wives; Marilyn Kaul and June Hilton.   Funeral Services will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Pat Siegler officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, April 16, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. until time of services. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.   James's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Autumn Light and HospiceCare.