James Dennis “JD” Marken, 86, of Eldridge, formerly of Savanna, Ill., passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 13, 2026, with family and his beloved cat “Kitty” at his side.
James’s life journey began on Dec. 14, 1939, in Savanna. He joined the Marine Corps in 1958. Upon his return from military life, he met the love of his life of 61 years, Phyllis. They began their life together on Sept. 13, 1961, and raised four children together. He held several jobs in his lifetime, but he supported his family working for the Milwaukee Railroad starting in 1961 and retiring from the Canadian Pacific in 2001. James was an outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, boating and gardening. His greatest joy in life was spending time with family and friends.
He remained committed and loyal to Phyllis and his family until his very last breath. Those left to honor his memory include his children Steven (Sue Assmus) of Mount Carroll, Ill., Michael of Savanna, Jacquelyn (Kurt) Massie of Eldridge, and Ronald of Cascade, Colo., nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis (Sept. 26, 2022), parents, sister, Mildred Witt, brothers, Jack, Gene and Donald, and granddaughter Lindsey Rachelle Marken.
His family would like to extend gratitude to the staff at Mercy One Genesis Hospice and Visiting Angels for supporting James in his wish to remain at home to live out his final days. Memorials may be made in James’s honor to a local animal shelter of choice.
A celebration of life will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Nov. 7, at Manny’s Too in Fulton, Ill.
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