James Leo Markham

James (Jim) Leo Markham was born on April 29, 1929, to Victor and Elizabeth (Pollakowski) Markham. Jim was the fifth of six siblings in the Markham household in Chicago, IL. Tragically, Jim lost his mother, Elizabeth, at the young age of nine, yet his family came together to overcome the grief and challenging times ahead. 

In 1945, Jim and one of his close friends elected to visit a U.S. Navy recruiting center despite being only 16 years old. He entered the service as a machinist’s mate at the end of World War II aboard the USS Princeton. After completing his enlistment honorably, Jim returned to Chicago and attended the Chicago Teacher’s College while also working to assist his family. 

Tragedy struck again in 1949 with the death of his father, Victor. Soon after, the U.S. Navy recalled Jim to serve as a machinist mate again during the Korean War beginning in 1950. Yet during this time, Jim also met Margaret (Marge), starting an almost eight decade relationship. Jim and Marge married in 1951, with Jim concluding his Naval service in 1952, settling back into life in Chicago. 

Jim returned to work by taking a position with American Airlines as the Markham family grew. Jim and Marge welcomed the birth of their son James and daughter Pamela a 

short time later. Jim saw an opportunity with American Airlines expanding and took a new position, relocating to San Diego, CA. 

Jim and the Markham family quickly settled into the San Diego area and joined the Our Lady of Grace Parish around 1960. During this time, the Markham family grew to six with the births of Patricia and Carolyn. All four of Jim’s children (and later, three of his grandchildren) would attend the Our Lady of Grace School. Jim became heavily involved with the Parish, often assisting with Our Lady of Grace sports programs and volunteering in many areas to help the community. 

Jim continued his career with American Airlines and retired as the Supervisor of Flight Attendants at Lindbergh Field after 45 years of faithful employment in 1991. With the Markham family now seeing several grandchildren beginning to blossom, Jim shined as a loving grandfather after his retirement. For the next several decades, Jim’s household continued to be the foundation for the Markham family. 

In 2024, Jim celebrated his 95th birthday as well as he and Marge’s 73rd wedding anniversary. Jim’s sense of humor, family, and community carried him until he passed away on the morning of November 17, 2024. Jim is survived by his wife Margaret; his children James, Pamela, Patricia, and Carolyn; his grandchildren Chad, Jennifer, Jesse, Andrew, Melissa, George, Sabrina, and Joseph; and eleven great-grandchildren.