Jim Markwell

     Jim Markwell  88, of Island, Kentucky went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.  James Winfield Markwell was born August 7, 1931 in Island, Kentucky to the late Clyde Melvin and Ethel Marie Howell Markwell and was married to the former Sue Faye Hopkins November 10, 1950.  Jim was a farmer, helped with public relations for the former First Security Bank, served on the bank board for several years and was a member and Chairman of the Deacons of Island Baptist Church.  He also served for 45 years on the McLean County Soil Conservation Board and was a member of the G.R.A.D.D. Board. Jim was a Kentucky Colonel and a former board member of the McLean County Hospital Board.  In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Cindy Markwell, who died May 31, 2004.

     Jim was a strong and optimistic person.  He had been very ill for a number of years but was able to hide his discomfort very well.  His failing eyesight was a troubling woe, especially when he was forced to let his wife chauffeur him.  This leading to his constant daily drivers education courses for his wife.  Jim bravely approached each new day with anticipation of the daily arrival of his 5 year old granddaughter, Marley Elise Jackson.  She became his reason for living and cherishing each day of play with a scheduled nap at 1 o’clock.  They made nap time a daily delight.  It started with her complaining, “I’m not sleepy or tired” and Jim would quickly mention new games which they played most days, always leading to the scheduled nap.  This routine was his daily medicine of happiness.  He loved each of his grandchildren, Emily, Brad and Blake, looked forward to every phone call and visit, and was so proud of the two young men serving their country.  Brad serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Blake as a Purple Heart Recipient in Afghanistan serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.  Jim fought a good fight.  The race is now done, by slowly losing his energy day by day.  Jim had many struggles but was filled with the strength to survive.

     Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Sue Markwell; a son, Tim Markwell & (Chris Smith) of Walnut, Mississippi; three grandchildren, Emily Bolton, Brad Markwell (Jessica) and Blake Markwell (Whitney); six great grandchildren, Barrett Markwell, Marley Jackson, Thea Louise Markwell, Kyri Cortte, T.J. Johnson, and Faithe Johnson; son-in-law, Kenny Wilson; and a nephew, Larry Haley of Island.

     Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at Muster Funeral Homes, Livermore Chapel with the Rev. Chad Rafferty officiating.  Burial will be in the Island Baptist Cemetery in McLean County.  Friends may visit with Jim’s family from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at Musters in Livermore.

     The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all of the special fiends and church family who have stepped up and provided assistance to them at a difficult time.

     The Jim Markwell family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Island Baptist Cemetery Fund; C/O Joe Howell; 835 Doug Hill Road; Island, Kentucky  42350.  Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at Musters in Livermore.

     Share your memories and photos of Jim at musterfuneralhomes.com.

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