James Mark Hargitt, Sr.
Lansing, MI
J. Mark passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at the age of 80. He was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 16, 1938, to Robert Dana and Elizabeth Mae (French) Hargitt.
J. Mark graduated from Eastern High School, Lansing, at age 17, having skipped third grade. He then joined the U.S. Navy and during his two years of service was the “captain’s talker” on board the U.S.S. Rowe destroyer in the Atlantic, and stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Upon his discharge, he enrolled at Michigan State University. While studying there he taught English as a Foreign Language. He graduated in the first class of Urban Planning with a minor in Landscape Architecture.
He began his career as a highway planner for the State of Michigan, helping design I-696. He then joined the DNR, where he received a national award from Progressive Architecture for his part in development of a Michigan soil erosion control guidebook. Pursuing his love of the outdoors and wildlife, he briefly left the DNR and opened Grand Passage Wildlife Art Gallery in Okemos. Upon returning to the State, he ended his career as Public Affairs Liaison and Public Hearings Officer for the DNR.
He was an avid golfer and duck hunter, taught duck identification classes and was founding chairman of the Lansing chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
J. Mark and Bonnie spent winters in Ft. Myers, Florida at their home on the Caloosahatchee River. They would have celebrated 59 years of marriage this fall.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughter, Wendy (Monte) Pride; sons, James (Lisa) Hargitt, Jr. and Gregory Hargitt; grandchildren, Aaron and Zoe Pride, Ashlie (Corey) Corr and James Hargitt III, Cameron and Evan Hargitt; great-grandchildren, Declan and Haven Corr, Cedar Hargitt; brother, Charles (Sandra) Hargitt; and sister, Roxanna (John) Corsé.
J. Mark had the ability to find the silly in the serious. He woke up every morning with a smile on his face. He always knew what to say in times of trouble, and although he is not here for us now, we know he would want us all to Carpe Diem and Laissez les bon temps rouler.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
5 Messages to “James Mark Hargitt, Sr.”
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Billie Zetzman
June 19, 2018 at 10:46 amFeel so bad for Bonnie and their family. He will certainly be missed. We had some great times together and was loved by us all. Please send along our prayers and condolences.
George Zarka
June 20, 2018 at 4:53 pmJust received notice from one of our classmates that Mark has died. Mark was a best friend of mine in high school. We did not maintain contact after graduation, but I will always cherish the times we shared at Eastern High School. He was a caring, ingenious, perceptive, and fun guy to be around. We made some not to be forgotten memories together. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and family. I am truly sorry for your loss and for my unforgettable friend.
Karen Mast
July 6, 2018 at 9:20 pmSo sorry for the loss of Uncle Mark 🙁 Fun, funny and unforgettable! We have great memories!
Mark was a real treasure. Ken Holmes
July 7, 2018 at 11:10 amMy deepest sympathy goes to my beloved sister Bonnie and her family wherever they maybe at this time. I miss our visits, and fun that we had while we were all young and while we are all old. Mark was a real treasure.
JoAnne Smith
July 7, 2018 at 11:45 pmI knew Mark from my days working with his son Jim at Capital City Airport. My husband Bruce and I were even lucky enough to be invited to Bonnie and Mark’s lovely home for a couple of very nice celebrations too. My sincerest condolences to the entire Hargitt family. Jim I am sending you a huge cyber hug with lots of love to both you and your beautiful Mom.