James Ivan Markle, from his birth on June 1, 1946, was unique, in that his initials spelled JIM. Done purposefully by his playful parents Jim and Nony. 

The second of three, and sandwiched between sisters, Sharon and Jean, he was certainly not the insecure “middle child”. His elder sister would always say he was a bit of a playful “imp” as a child. He loved purposefully pestering his sisters while doing dishes so that his mum or dad would come in and say, “Jim out!” As he strolled out he would give an impish grin to his sisters knowing that he just got out of doing the dishes…a living Tom Sawyer! 

And on the thought of literature, it was well-known that “Jimmer” (the playful name given to him when he was very small to separate him from his father Jim) could recite A Christmas Carol in its entirety, and would regale family and friends with this each Christmas – even changing voices for each of the characters. He had an incredible memory for words, which no-doubt assisted him in recalling his favorite Bible verses – and offering them at just the right time. He was soft-spoken and thoughtful, and yet always one with dry humor. Jim was clever, and great with offering a well-placed “zinger” – but, never at the expense of another. 

Though he was diagnosed with epilepsy at an early age, that never stopped him from engaging and exploring. The family cultivated his faith early on through their congregating at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He enjoyed training the golden retrievers and duck hunting with his father, spending many active summers at the family cottage on Lake Eau Claire, and these activities were most likely the impetus for his desire to explore and “head west” as a young man. He worked diligently to earn his degree in geology and found that New Mexico would be the “enchanted place” to hone his craft. He worked for a brief time as a geologist when first arriving in New Mexico. He adored inviting people out to New Mexico to explore with him. His grandparents, Leo and Clara delighted in visiting him in New Mexico and exploring White Sands National Park. His sister Sharon visited several times, and Uncle Jimmer was always the perfect tour guide. His inquisitive mind, and appreciation for all of God’s creation, encouraged him to always share his knowledge and travels with others. But, Jim’s path took a beautiful new route in New Mexico. In searching for a change, he took a job at Hosannah Tape Ministry. That proved to be a miraculous change and the start of his most rewarding adventure for him, as that is where he met the honest love of his life (outside of the Lord of course) Carol Helm in 1975, and they married in 1977. What joy and faith she added to the Markle Family. 

In the late 80’s he called his elder sister and jokingly said, “It finally happened…I’m being investigated by the FBI.” In reality, the FBI was simply doing their due diligence to gain background about Jim as he had returned to his early interests and taken a geologist position with Los Alamos National Laboratory. He was devoted to his position, leaving very early in the morning and arriving home later in the evening every day for many years. He was revered by those he worked with and brought a great deal of knowledge to the field. 

Even 1400 miles away, “Uncle Jimmer” (and Auntie Carol) never failed to thoughtfully remember his sister’s, niece’s, and nephew’s birthdays and special days. There was always a thoughtful note in the card, and a genuine message of love. They never missed an opportunity to share God’s love with others. This constant thoughtfulness, love, and care, was the impetus for his niece to follow in “Uncle Jimmer’s” footsteps and travel to study in New Mexico. 

At the time of his sister’s death, Jim was one of the first to call. And when it was shared with him, that a song had been written especially for his sister’s memorial, without missing a beat he said, “your mum’s life had a wonderful song to it all along.” A perfectly timed word of joy. Followed with the reminder that our lives are not here on Earth, but we feel the joy in the everlasting life we receive through our knowing Christ. What a treasure. 

Now, the loving, kind, thoughtful, delightfully impish, clever, well-read, faithful, devoted, and steadfast Jim will now not only be reunited with his faithful wife Carol – but, he now is allowed to be free of any of the pain and struggle in his human life and is reunited with Christ in everlasting life. As we learned in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 

Jimmer would never want anyone to find sorrow in his passing. He is finally reunited with Carol, sister Sharon, nephew John, his parents, grandparents, and so many that he met through his faith that he recognized as family. All those that know him, are certain Jim would us celebrate that the “new is here”!

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Desert Springs Church, 705 Osuna Rd. NE., on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The visitation will begin at 9:30 am with the Celebration of life at 10:00 am. A light reception will follow the service and the burial will then take place at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 924 Menaul Blvd NE. at 12:30 pm.