I want you to know how much Jim Marks inspired me throughout my adult life.  Jim was one of my students when I started my first job after graduate school as a speech therapist. From that first moment, Jim inspired me. In fact, I told Jim recently that he was my first and my best teacher. He taught me about cerebral palsy, he taught me about communication boards, he taught me about perseverance and hard work. Jim taught me that you can laugh and cry and the same time, you can work your hardest when you want to quit and rest, even when you are frustrated and tired. Jim taught me how important humor is and how the silliest joke or a smile can so quickly change a negative situation into a positive one. And he taught me how important it is to make time for those moments, even while you are working hard.

Jim taught me how important it is to respect each individual person, and that I must always remember that each of us has gifts and talents unique from everyone else.

He taught me that although disabilities are real, they are just something that people have; they are not the people themselves.
 
Yes, Jim had cerebral palsy, but that is not who Jim was. His disability did not define him. Jim Marks was a unique, creative, and amazing person who happened to do things differently. In fact, I know of no one who could use his eyes so effectively, whether it was to express his feelings, show you he was teasing you, or to quickly spell out a long message in the air as his mother or caregiver followed the precise movements of his eyes.

Jim Marks was a hero. I think I realized this when he was a little boy, when he was first learning to type with a head pointer, first learning to spell out words, first learning to communicate with one of our simple first handmade boards.  Jim always kept working, always trying to achieve his goals, even when we adults reminded him that it was time to quit, or asked if he needed a break.  He always wanted to do one more thing, type one more word, and practice just a little more. Or tell one more joke. Jim was a hero, not because of his hard work, but because he was an inspiration to the other students and his teachers. And because he took risks to try new things, learn new skills, develop the gifts God gave him to help others. As he grew into an adult, he used his life to inspire others, and make a difference.

Jim, who could not speak a word on his own, took a public speaking college level course to create and give better presentations. Jim, who could not speak on his own, wanted to and became, an effective, inspirational public speaker. Jim's speeches were designed to inspire, to teach, to educate future teachers and therapists, parents, and society, to understand and value individuals with disabilities. He said he wanted to teach people so they would not be prejudice and would give everyone a chance, like his parents did for him.

Jim couldn't walk, couldn't move about. But he raced in his electric wheelchair, bowled on bowling leagues, and traveled about. Jim, who couldn't use his hands, was not only a Boy Scout, but persevered in his unique way to reach his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest achievement known to young men in scouting.

I am very fortunate to have known Jim when he was a young child while he was beginning to learn to read, spell, and communicate, and while he was an adult, when he was teaching others and influencing people of all ages. I was fortunate to be one of his many email friends, and to spend time with him as a friend and as a peer, when he came to my college classes as a guest speaker or to work with me on a professional project.

I know that my life is better because of Jim's presence, and I know that he will always be an inspiration to myself and everyone else he has touched during his life.

I will always remember Jim Marks, not for what he couldn't do, but for what he did, and the ideas and dreams he had. I know that Jim will want to be remembered for what he could do, and for his relationships with the people in his life. And for his attempts to teach us all about disabilities; what they are and what they are not. Jim will want to be remembered for being Jim, a unique, intelligent, talented, compassionate, and inspiring man, and for his sense of humor.  I know I will always be proud to know I was one of Jim's many friends, and thankful that I had Jim, my first and best teacher, in my life

-Jeannie Defazio,
Professor, Intervention Specialist Education
Walsh University

I feel very honored to have known Jim, even if for only a brief period. Jim, his family, Jeannie DeFazio and I worked on a project to bring Jim's work with students and his community to our web page. From the get-go, Jim was eager to put his speeches on the website and extend his words to so many more. We even posted video of Jim's talks with Walsh students which show, if not his charismatic personality, his ability to simply reach others and educate them in a friendly and unique way. As I went about this project, I learned second-hand just what Jim's life was like and you know what, it was no different than my own. One of Jim's outlooks on life was that just because he had Cerebral Palsy, it didn't mean he wasn't human, a person with dreams and ideas and love and desires to do things and say things and interact and grow as a person. I only met Jim once. I only spoke with him for about an hour and a half. But in that brief time, I saw a guy that didn't quit; who though challenged, was bound to succeed.

Jim was truly an amazing person and touched the lives of all he worked with, presented to, or simply greeted with a smile. I know how hard it is to lose someone and especially someone as talented and inspiring as Jim. My prayers go out to all of his family and friends. I know he is sorely missed. It was an honor working to promote Jim's efforts here at Walsh. I remember  when I first wrote the story on Jim for Walsh's website. I went home after meeting Jim and gathering notes and told several people about him. I spent a night on the phone with my best friend and I told him about Jim's efforts and the remarkable things he had done with his life. I remember admiring most his boundless activities and pursuits, his travels and love of music. Needless to say, my friend was amazed and inspired too. I don't have to tell you that Jim reached far beyond the people he met or worked with. I'm sure there are countless people like me, perhaps many students Jim's presented to that have shared his inspiring tales and amazing gifts with their friends and family. The world is now short another great teacher and kind soul, but I know he will be looking in on us from time to time. Let me just say, thank you Jim.

-Jason Fugitt,
University Relations Coordinator,
Walsh University

 See Prentke Romich memorial to Jim Marks - Click Here

See AAC memorial to Jim - Click Here