Jim Dan Mark

Jim was born on January 10, 1936, to Fred Lee Mark and Claudia Lee Daniel Mark in Panola, Oklahoma. In 1956, he was drafted into the US Army and served two years as an artillery radio operator. After his military service, he continued his education earning his BA in History. In 1958 Jim married Alice Henry in Byng, Oklahoma, on September 5, 1959, and had two children, Barry Mark and Lisa Gallagher. From 1960-1966 Jim taught high school and coached several sports in Strasburg, Colorado. He also earned his MA in School Administration and ultimately became the Superintendent of Schools.

In 1967 Jim passed the Foreign Service Exam, which marked the beginning of a 31-year career in the diplomatic corps of the U.S. Department of State. From 1968 to 1974, Jim served at American Embassies in Zaire (Congo) and Tanzania. After leaving Tanzania in 1975, he spent a year as a Fellow at MIT studying Systems Analysis before returning to the State Department in Washington D.C. and serving in various positions including as the Assistant Chief of Protocol.

In 1980 Jim married Dorothy (Dottie) Miller and they embarked on diplomatic tours in Nairobi, Kenya, Manila, Philippines and Brussels, Belgium. Their son, Kevin Mark, was born in Kenya. Jim also served as the Executive Director of the African Bureau and the Director of the Regional Administrative Center for Latin America prior to his retirement in 1998. Jim and Dottie lived in Fort Collins, Colorado from 2001 to 2017, when they relocated to Richardson, Texas. Jim filled his retirement years with volunteer work, church support and traveling.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Fred, and Claudia Mark; brother, Bill Mark; sister, Wanda Dyer; and his namesake grandson, Jim Mark Gallagher. He is survived by his wife, Dottie; sons Barry (Cindy) and Kevin (Karlie); daughter Lisa; sister, Pat; sister-in-law Sandy (Slobodan); eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Jim was a man of strong faith and character. His intelligent wit will be remembered by everyone who knew him. He was comfortable in the presence of kings, and presidents, but wanted most to be remembered as a good husband, father and servant of God.

Donations may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Texas Region), The Hope Center, Attention: FCA, 2001 W. Plano Pkwy., Ste 2050, Plano, Texas 75075