James Chalmer Markle

James was my uncle. His older brother Clarence was my father. I lost touch with him in the late 60s when my parents divorced and we moved out of state. My memories of Uncle Jim was he was always very friendly to us, I use to talk to him about his art. Even at my young age I loved art and he was interesting to hear how he started. I kept up with him until my father died in 91 and didn't know he had died until I was watching President Carter's funeral. When they spoke about Carter and Ford the...

Jim and Eleanore became our friends when they first moved to Grand Rapids in 1970. Jim was such a talented artist and a fine creative director. John and I both admired and appreciated all that he contributed to Aves and to the community. After he retired from Aves, he began a second career as a fine artist and he excelled at that too. I was proud to show my artist friends his published work and his named easel and pastels. I knew a "real artist." We also shared a loyalty to Fountain...

I met Jim at an art workshop that he was teaching, and I was one of his students. He was kind and used a gentle hand to teach. He suggested that I might consider joining Grand Valley Artists. I did join GVA, and I will be forever grateful to this special man.

Hello Eleanore, I just saw Jim's obituary and am so sorry. I loved Jim as a boss, coworker, and friend. He was so talented and such a good person. I valued his friendship greatly and told many of my new friends about him. I hope all is well with you and family. Again, so sorry to hear of your loss, Nancy Allen

I remember Jim when I was a child. My family were relatives and friends of his parents. I always looked up to him.

It has been a long time since I've seem Jim but he was such a great, carrying per and a true all American. I have and shall alway remember him as a kind good listener as well a very creative person. George N. Postmus

Ann and Family, What an absolutely fascinating person! I am very sorry for your loss, cherish your many wonderful memories.