Mark Stephen James, 52, passed away on May 15, 2016 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was born on October 20, 1963 in Los Angeles, CA and was soon adopted by Harry and Sandra James. Mark grew up in Tucson, AZ and graduated from Sahuaro High School in 1981. Mark went to college but his true passion was cooking and in 2002 graduated from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute and became a chef. He worked a number of years at Coyote Kitchen mass producing sauces and salsas for restaurants and grocery stores. He was an avid golfer and would be out golfing every day if he could. Mark was also a big supporter of Families of SMA in fundraising and golf tournaments ever since his beloved niece Kasey, was diagnosed with SMA at an early age. He is survived by his parents, Harry James, and Sandra James, sister Kim (Mark) Ziegler, sister Kelly (Ron) Owsley, sister Kris (James) Richards, sister Karey (Steve) Kaler, five nephews (Craig (CJ), Nicholas, Anthony (AJ), Hunter, Kole) and five nieces (Stephanie, Rebecca, Kasey, Kenzey, Hailey). He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Amelia James, Walter Reis, Alberta Medlin and his cousin, Patricia Bogard. Mark’s memorial service will take place on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 East Main Street in Mesa, AZ. Family and friends are invited to attend the service, and a reception at the Richards residence will follow. The family is grateful for condolences and in lieu of flowers, requests that family and friends consider a donation in his honor to the AZ Chapter Families of SMA or the American Diabetes Association in the hopes of raising funds and awareness for these diseases. Mark was a son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and good friend to so many. He was also a wonderful, funny, talented man that is most remembered for making you laugh. Mark will be greatly missed.
I will miss you always big brother. May you finally be at peace. Love you, Kelly
Your time was too short Mark, we will miss you more than words can say.
I love you and am so thankful you were my brother.
Love, Kim
You and your sense of humor will be greatly missed, but never forgotten Mark!
Hi James family,I am sorry for your loss.I have a lot of fun memories with Mark. I hope everybody else is doing good. Sean Critchley
I will never forget how much you made me laugh at all those crazy high school and college age parties. It was always a joy to see you and you always put a smile on my face. You will be missed, my friend!
You will be missed. Thanks for all the humor you left for the times i had around you. I still to this day ‘borrow’ the line from you at one of our parties that you said after someone walked through our screen door…” I remember my first beer”. God Bless
To Harry, Sandra and Family,
With our condolences to everyone. Mark was always such a happy guy and his family meant the world to him. He was never a stranger to you always had a hug for you with a laugh and sweetness. He made food for Mendy at her 40th and was such a character always joking with us. He did a great job cooking and we will never forget his love for everyone that he came in contact with especially his family. He will always be truly missed by everyone.