James F. Marquit

Middleburgh - James F. Marquit, Jr., passed into eternal life on Saturday, October 24, 2020 and is now forever embraced by the communion of the saints in service of a gracious and loving God.

Jim was born on June 18, 1933 in Kingston, NY, to James F. Marquit, Sr. and Lillian E. Trede Marquit and graduated from Gilboa-Conesville Central School in 1950. Continuing his education, Jim graduated from SUNY Oneonta, earning his B.S. in 1954 and M.S. in 1959.

Jim served with gratitude and honor in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956.

He then began a teaching career that would span 35 years from 1956 to 1962 at Gilboa-Conesville Central School and from 1962 to 1991 as an English teacher at Middleburgh Central School, where he also served as track coach from 1970 to 1995.  During his tenure, Jim earned the respect of faculty, students and families, not only within the school but also within his community for his wisdom, compassion and kindness. 

He was an active leader in New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and past President of the Eastern Zone NYS Retired Teachers and founding President of NYSUT Retiree Council 12. Jim was also a former member of Town and Village Planning Boards of Middleburgh. His warm personality, smile and charm also welcomed guests at the NYS Power Authority, where he led tours part-time for many years.

Jim was past Master of Oasis Lodge F&AM and a member of Schoharie Valley Lodge, F&AM but his true love for his community and missions of the world shone brightest through his belief in Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.”

Jim gave of himself through thousands of hours of volunteer projects with Rotary over the years. He was a member of the Middleburgh Rotary Club for over 45 years and a past President of the club, a Paul Harris Fellow and shared countless moments of wisdom and humor with fellow Rotarians at their meetings that are treasured and greatly missed.

Jim was energized by social gatherings and a traditional faith made rich with grace, love, inclusion, and service.  He served as a Lay Speaker from 1956 to 2012, sharing God’s love and message at many local churches through those years.  He also loved visiting many local churches, worshiping with countless friends.  That same friendship and love extended through the Christian Men’s Fellowship of Schoharie County, where Jim led countless prayers and hymn sings.

Cherishing his life and love forever are his wife: Annemarie (Kuhn) Marquit;

his children: Karen (Paul) Bertolami, Robert (Ariel) Marquit, David Marquit and Rev. Dion Marquit; his grandchildren: Kristina Ramsden, Jonathon Andrew, Jennifer Marquit, Amy Marquit, James Marquit, Garrett Berdan and Rebecca Berdan. Jim was predeceased by his sister: Joan Lutz

The family of James F. Marquit, Jr. invites you to Memorial service, in celebration of his life, at 10:00AM on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Main Street, Middleburgh, NY. Family and friends are also invited to a visitation from 6:00-8:00PM on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC 134 River St. Middleburgh, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Middleburgh Rotary, PO Box 1100, Middleburgh, NY 12122 or to a church or charity of your choice, in honor of Jim’s faith, love and lifetime of selflessness and sharing.

Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC of Middleburgh is honored to be caring for Jim and his family

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