James MacDowell MARKERT Sr.

1934 - 2017

MARKERT, Sr.,
James MacDowell
James MacDowell Markert was born in Rocky River, Ohio on March 13, 1934 to Fredric Shafer "Jim" Markert and Francine MacDowell Markert. He passed away on March 9, 2017, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, James MacDowell Markert III. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Barbara Yazdi Markert, his children Dorothy "Dorie" Markert Cornwell, James "Jim" MacDowell Markert, Jr. and Marian "Molly" Markert Nur; and their spouses, ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his sister, Dorothy Markert Ozzello, as well as many other loving family members and friends. He was a member of the Baha'i Faith for the last 18 years of his life, serving on a National Finance Advisory committee, as well as other local committees. Earlier in life he graduated from Rocky River High School, then went on to attend Princeton University where he graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. He received an MBA at Harvard University. While at Harvard, he met his bride-to-be Barbara Yazdi, and they married in 1958. Initially they lived in California, then the east coast, before finally moving back to Southern California where he was the Treasurer at Fluor Corporation. Jim was extraordinarily active in family life and was a very involved and attentive husband and father. He placed a very high emphasis on education for his children, commuting a long distance each way to work so that they could attend school in a top-notch school district. He also was concerned with others, serving for many years as a scoutmaster and encouraging others in their studies and careers, including women and minorities. He served as a class fundraiser for many years, ensuring better opportunities for future Princeton students. He was also an excellent photographer. Later, after the children had grown, he and Barbara moved back to Massachusetts where he worked for Perini Engineering and Construction for the final chapter of his career, serving as Chief Financial Officer and active in many formative mergers and acquisitions for the Perini group in his role as Chief Financial Officer. Shortly after retirement he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, which he battled valiantly and courageously for the final 19 years of his life. Jim was a force of nature, a "tall man in a hurry", working hard on behalf of his community and family. His battle with the ravages of Parkinson's was notable for his complete lack of self-pity and absence of complaints. He remained concerned about the welfare of his family and his inability to play and interact with his grandchildren as he had wanted due to his severe illness. His involvement with the Baha'i community and reliance upon prayer later in his life was remarkable to behold. He was a man with a strong moral compass, a true humanitarian, a generous philanthropist, a loyal friend and devoted to the principles of the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of humanity. His Funeral will be Friday, March 17 at 2:00PM at the Aycock Funeral Home, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458. A burial service will be held after the funeral at Riverside Memorial Park, 19351 County Line Road, Tequesta, FL 33469.
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