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James Marshall Obituary
passed away April 7, 2015 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 86. Jim was born on January 27, 1929, the youngest child of Edward and Alice Marshall. Jim's parents came to Arizona in 1905 and 1919 respectively. He was predeceased by his siblings Edward A. Marshall (Pete) and Wendy Marshall Koch. A devoted family man and beloved friend, Jim was renowned for his sense of humor, quiet strength and generous spirit. He was a successful business owner, spectacular gardener and active community volunteer. A third generation Arizonan, Jim attended Kenilworth Elementary and Phoenix Union High School where he played varsity tennis and was Outstanding Company Commander in ROTC. Jim attended the University of Arizona, completing a degree in Business Administration. He then joined the U.S. Army, where he served as a special agent in Counter Intelligence, attaining the rank of Sergeant. In 1951 he married his first love, Betty Udell. An incredible husband and father, together he and Betty had four children, Brit (Charla), Wendy, Christine (John Turner) and Elizabeth (Gary Felicetti). Betty died in 1974. In 1976, Jim married Jan Bragg Helfinstine, a lifelong friend, who had four children, Mike, Scott (Nancy), Kelly (Bob Waring) and Jim (Mariann). Jim is also survived by 14 beloved grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. From the time he was born, Jim loved spending his summers at Iron Springs. He was always very active in the community serving on Salt River Project's Board of Directors and the Council for 36 years. In addition to being an original founder of the Fiesta Bowl, Jim was Big Chief and Tournament Chairman of the Phoenix Thunderbirds. He was also involved with Homeward Bound, St. Luke's Hospital, the North Phoenix Rotary, Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, U of A Foundation, Valley Field Riding & Polo Club and was Senior Warden at Christ Church of the Ascension. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church of the Ascension, 4015 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home and Post Scripts by Posey.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Marshall
Posey M Nash
April 4, 2025
Oh Uncle Jim,
Too soon you have been joined by another angel, your Biz, thank you both for all the positive teachings....always remembered, always missed.
Posey
April 4, 2024
Oh Uncle Jimmy,
What an inspiration you were. Funny, smart, honorable and humble.
We miss you.
Posey
April 4, 2021
I never think or smell a sweet pea without thinking so fondly of Uncle Jimmy. Missing his moral compass.
April 15, 2015
Brit & Wendy,
We are so sorry for you loss of your father. We remember Jim, Pete, & your grandfather that started Marshall Mortgage & Trust on Central Ave. then 7th St. and back to Central Ave. Our father, Clarence Hienton had fond memories of Jim, Pete and have told us kids some of the stories. And we loved the stories. We still own a grapefruit & orange tree that dad bought from them in our back yard!!! They sure DO produce the fruit to this day, 65 years with irrigation every 2 weeks!
I remember going down to the office with dad on Sat. & while he worked I was doing my homework at another desk. When he needed something copied he's ask me to do it(he showed me how it worked) and I sometimes had to fix it for you guys. I also remember the offices with the glass above & dad would just stand up & peck over the top to see when I walked through the door. I remember the "fire hats & the fire truck". Dad brought the truck home & we have pictures with my brother Jim & myself standing on it when we were little.
I was so glad to see your dad at the Terraces in Dec & throughly enjoyed talking with him about the past. Our mom is still at the Terraces and isn't expected to live or ever come home to the house. She is bedridden from here on out.
We go by the properties from time to time from our house off of 15th Ave. Still there & looks great!
Our deepest prayers go out to his family. He will be missed. Just remember the good times & all the stories he's told you. They're priceless!!!
Jean, Joe, Jim & Terrie Hienton
April 14, 2015
Brit & Wendy,
We are so sorry for your loss of your father , Jim. We remember Jim, Pete & your Grandfather that started Marshall Mortgage & Trust on Central Ave & then on 7th St and then back to Central Ave. Our father, Clarence Hienton had fond memories of Jim & Pete & told us kids some of the stories!! Very enjoyable!
I remember going down to the office on Saturdays with dad & while dad was working I was doing homework at another desk. When he needed a copy to work off of he asked me to go copy it for him. I remember the office on Central with the glass on the top. Dad would just stand up & peck over the top to see when I came in the front door.
I remember the "fire hats & the fire truck" they had with the name on the side of the truck. Dad took pictures of my brother Jim & myself(Terrie) standing on the side & back of the truck.
I was so "GLAD" to talk with him in Dec. at the Terraces. It was such a pleasure to remeise with him. Our mom (Jean)is still at the Terraces & won't be coming home. She isn't expected to live.
Our deepest prayers go out to his family He will be missed. Just remember the good times & all his stories.
John Turner
April 14, 2015
A fine service well attended by family, and life long friends. Jim truly had a life well lived. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
Sheral James
April 13, 2015
I am sorry as I just learned of this at another memorial service yesterday and would have liked to attend the service. On my visits to Iron Springs, I always enjoyed Jim and Jan so much. More recently, as I live across the street from the Terraces, seeing Jim and Jan individually out walking their dog always brought a smile to my face and I had hoped I could assist them with that if need be. My love to Wendy and the rest of the family.
Amy (Myer) Drake
April 12, 2015
Loss of one so dear makes you take stock of your own life and wonder if you are doing all you can to really live. How grateful I am to have grown up with Jim Marshall in my life. I loved his sense of humor and his laugh. Growing up with the Marshalls meant being part of a very large, extended family. How Lucky! I loved spending time at his cabin in Iron Springs, at his campsites in Mexico, and his home and lovely garden in Phoenix. Jim Marshall will be dearly missed, but what a legacy he has left behind in his amazing family. Much love to you all!
Bill McNabb
April 11, 2015
Wendy thanks for sharing this. My dad died last year and it is always a blow even though we know they are in a better place. I didn't realize our dads both went to Kenilworth, Phoenix Union and did ROTC. My dad was one year younger but I guess they would have known of each other. Thoughts and prayers for your family. Hope you are well.
Victor Jr
April 11, 2015
One of the patriarchs of 15th and IS. It was my privilege to have been blessed with you in my life. You will be missed!
April 11, 2015
Jimmy Marshall will be remembered as a kind and most generous gentleman. I am privileged to have known him as a friend. His gentle nature and wonderful sense of humor were always in evidence even as he endured his pain and suffering. What a caring and loving legacy his leaves behind with his loved ones. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Sally Smith
Diane Dick
April 10, 2015
I was blessed to have gotten to know you.
April 10, 2015
Jan & Family,
We send our condolences to you at this sad time. May God bless and comfort you and your's.
Janet and Bruce Fraizer
Laura Larkin
April 10, 2015
A wonderful, wonderful man and a great father and friend. So sorry to hear of this loss. He will be greatly missed and remembered.
posey moore nash
April 10, 2015
Thanks for always being there for us. We were blessed to grow up next door on 15th Avenue and call you Uncle.
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