Mark James

Mark James, Sr., 65, of Streamwood and formerly of Berwyn, Born in Sikeston, Missouri on February 11th, 1957.
Born to Frank and Louis James. Husband of Amy James, nee Fojtik for 32 years they have 2 daughters, 2 sons, 1 brother, 4 sisters and 12 grandchildren who he loved dearly and often spoke highly of. He is the epitome of a family man. He was the dad of Markie (Shannon), Jennifer (Jeffery) Johnson, Shaina (Nazar) and Ronald (Crystal) Tarasiewicz; grandpa of Tyler, Morgan, Jayden, Devin, Jacob, Chloe, Jackson, Hunter, Mia, Aria, Regan and Jordan; brother of Barbara Gail (Dominic) Rhein, Anthony James, Cindy Renee Muraurski, Kimblery (Bobby) Gessner and the late Brenda; son of the late Frank and Lois; uncle of many nieces and nephews. Mark Jefferson James

Throughout Mark’s life on earth, he was considered a “jack of all trades”. His personal skills consisted of all facets of carpentry, woodworking, and hand-drawing art. He has built various items for family members throughout his life to include but not limited to bassinets, a high chair, a make-up vanity, trunk chest, children’s beds, doll houses and plenty more.

Mark worked as a Teamster Local 731 Steel truck driver who enjoyed his job and rarely took a sick day. He was certainly a proud union member. It was very important to him to show up for his work team and provide for his family at the same time. Prior to driving a truck, Mark worked as a union roofer which he often spoke about and has had many enjoyable life memories and stories of. He enjoyed the unions and various trades and the comradery that came along with working as a team.

As much as he was a hard worker, Mark also enjoyed several hobbies he somehow always found time for. Most notably, Mark enjoyed playing in baseball leagues with his kids and driveway sports with the grandkids. Additionally, he enjoyed shooting pool, riding his Harley or getting the family out on the boat. A perfect day for Mark would consist of sunny 75 degree weather in his backyard, country music playing on his DeWalt stereo, all his family members there with appetites and swimsuits on ready for the pool or ready to play a backyard bags, softball or football game. His grill would be burning and coolers filled with Miller Lite. All were welcome.
Mark can be described in the most direct way by his traits, honesty, integrity, selfless-service, compassion, forgiving, hilarious, hard-working, and blunt. He was never afraid to tell you how proud he was of you and also wasn’t afraid to tell you things you didn’t want to hear. A true gentleman who “wears his heart on his sleeve” as he would say.

Visitation Monday, January 23rd, 1:00 pm until time of service 7:00 pm at the Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 1640 S. Greenmeadows Blvd. (at Barrington Rd.) Streamwood. Cremation will be private at the Countryside Crematory. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society 1 E Wacker Dr. Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60601 would be appreciated.