John Marks

1957 - 2021

John David Marks, Jr.

1957 ~ 2021

Concord, CA—John Marks, of Concord, CA, passed away unexpectedly on November 9 at John Muir Concord hospital at the age of 64.

John was born in Jefferson Parish, LA on April 20, 1957 to John David Marks, Sr., and Jeanie Willson Marks. After a stint in Dallas, TX, his family moved to Salt Lake City, UT in 1961, where John lived for more than 45 years. As a youth, John was a member of Congregation Kol Ami. John graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1975 and attended the University of Utah. He married his high school sweetheart Pamela Kay Brady in East Millcreek Canyon, UT on September 15, 1979.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, John loved spending time and playing silly games with his children and grandchildren. He was always willing to give piggy back and horsey rides, play catch, and kick around a soccer ball. When his children were young, John made pancakes every Tuesday morning; after they grew up and left home, John made the radical decision to have pancakes on Thursdays instead.

John worked for the Federal Reserve Bank for over 40 years, starting in the mail room in Salt Lake City and working his way up to a database manager in San Francisco. He took pride in his work, and befuddled his children each time he patiently explained what he did for a living. John's work took him and Pam to California in 2009, where he lived in Concord, CA until his death.

John was an avid University of Utah fan. He also loved the Utah Jazz, and he became a San Francisco Giants fan after moving to California. John volunteered as a youth soccer coach and Boy Scout leader for many years. He enjoyed gardening, eating good food, and going to the theater with Pam.

John was kind, hard-working, reliable, generous, and always willing to help. He brought a quiet strength to all he did, and his calming presence helped to guide family through other losses. He had a big heart and will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife, Pam; three children Denise Tracy (Michael), David Marks (Sarah), Robert Marks (Bridget); seven grandchildren: Samantha, Laura, Brock, Amber, Emily, Riley, and Henry; sisters Jennifer Beach and Jocelyn Gehrke (Mike); mother-in-law Carol Brady; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Judy Wiley, and nephew Louis Beach.

A memorial service will be held for John on December 30, 2021 in Pleasant Hill, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lesher Center for the Arts or your local food bank.