Jess Mark

JESS L. MARK
Tupelo--Jess L. Mark, III, 65, died Friday, March 14, 2008, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo after an extended illness. He was born in Dallas, Texas on November 19, 1942, to Jess L. Mark, Jr. and Louisa Murrell Mark. He lived his early years in Galveston, Texas and then in Alvin, Texas. He was a graduate of Alvin High School where he played football, basketball and played tuba in the high school band. A National Merit Scholar, he attended Texas Christian University on a football scholarship.
From 1963 to 1969, he served in the U. S. Navy and attended nuclear power engineering school. He was then stationed at Pearl Harbor and served as a Machinist Mate First Class on the nuclear submarine U.S.S. SEADRAGON. After his enlistment in the Navy, he returned to Texas and earned his B.A. degree in history from the University of Houston. He was awarded a graduate fellowship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he studied Ancient History and served as a graduate assistant. He was later employed by Blue Bell Manufacturing in Greensboro, North Carolina as an industrial engineer. His work took him to Oneonta and Hamilton, Alabama, Luray, Virginia and then to Tupelo.
From 1983 to 2007, he was a dedicated employee of North Mississippi Medical Center, serving most of those years as Director of Planning and Technology Assessment. A life-long learner, in 2003 he earned his Master of Science degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Maryland.
He served as President of the Tupelo Community Theatre for many years and was instrumental in the Tupelo Community Theatre's purchase of the Lyric Theatre. He also helped oversee the renovation of the building. Affectionately called "Mr. TCT" by many, he performed occasionally on stage, but enjoyed the back stage responsibilities of lighting, sound and direction. In September 2006, in recognition of his 25 years of service to the TCT, the theatre's board of directors officially named its stage the Jess Mark Stage at the Lyric.
He attended the First United Methodist Church where he was a faithful member of the Chancel Choir for 28 years. He taught the Marilyn M. Monroe Sunday School Class for many years, and served as President of the Board of Trustees. He was an avid reader and enjoyed golf, Alabama football, and North Carolina basketball.
Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church in Tupelo with Dr. Andy Ray officiating. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Wilson Cemetery in Russellville, Alabama. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Josephine W. Mark; a daughter, Janice Collins and husband, Mike, of Savannah, Georgia.; two sons, Barry Mark and wife, Ginger, of Tupelo and Ladd Mark of Birmingham, Alabama; a brother, Mickey Mark and wife, Becky, of Abilene, Texas; three grandsons, Sean and Ethan Collins and Bennett Mark; two uncles, one aunt, three nieces, two nephews and one great niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Terry Mark.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Joe Bailey, Howard Hinds, Mitch Ellett, Dr. Robert Black, Bob Monroe, Tom Wicker, Paul "Buzzy" Mize, Dr. Richard Warriner, Jack Reed, Jr., Rob Rice and Dr. Bill Rice.
Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Marilyn M. Monroe Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be Sunday from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Wesley Hall of the First United Methodist Church.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir Fund.