Jimmy Markus

Jimmy Markus, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

Jimmy was born on September 24, 1941, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Marie Niesing Markus and Garret Pete Markus. He spent his early years in Sheboygan Falls before moving with his family to La Puente, California at age 14. Jimmy graduated from La Puente High School and went on to pursue higher education at Cal Poly Pomona. He later earned his associate degree from Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, California, and continued his studies at Citrus College, Azusa, California and California State University, Los Angeles, California where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Engineering.

In November 1964, Jimmy married the love of his life, Billie May Conklin. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, and family, raising three children: Janet Sue, Michelle Renae, and John Harry.

Jimmy had a long and accomplished career as an aerospace engineer, working for General Dynamics and later transferring to Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona, in 1994. Jim and Billie May made Oro Valley their home with special friends that became family. Jim retired in July 2007. In April 2022, they relocated to Prosser, Washington, to be closer to their son John and his family.

Jimmy is survived by his children Michelle Renae Lambright (Steve) of Huntington Beach, CA, and John Harry Markus (Samantha) of Prosser, WA. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Karmina Elizabeth Bowen (Noah) and great-grandson Banks John Bowen of Burbank, WA; Nicolette Leeanne Lambright (fiancé Nicholas) of Huntington Beach, CA; Kylie Jo Murphey and great-grandson Clint Anders Carlson of Prosser, WA; Johnna Alexzandra Markus (Noah) of Hawaii; Nolan Markus Lambright of Huntington Beach, CA; Gracie Louise Murphey (fiancé Alec) of West Richland, WA; and Allie Carolina Murphey (Sam) of Spokane, WA. Jimmy is also survived by his cousin Judy (Edward) Wolfert.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Garret Pete Sr. & Jannetje Markus and Gottlieb & Dorthea Niesing; his parents, Garret Pete and Marie Niesing Markus; his brother Jerry Markus; his daughter Janet Sue Markus Wahlen; and his loving wife Bille May Markus.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Prosser Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 22, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Prosser Funeral Home, 1220 Sheridan Ave, Prosser, WA. A memorial service will take place on Friday, May 23, at 10:00 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 801 Luther Road, Prosser, WA. A burial service will be scheduled at a later date in Walker, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jimmy’s honor to Messiah Lutheran Church, the Fallen Police Officers Foundation, or Heartlinks Hospice.