“Chief” James Peter Markey, age 87, a resident of Colorado Springs for the last 34 years, passed away on June 26, 2019 at Liberty Heights Assisted Living.
Jim was born on March 3, 1932 in Norfolk, Nebraska to the late James Leslie and Elizabeth (O’Brien) Markey. He was the fourth of nine siblings, six sisters and two brothers.
His family moved to the Denver area and settled in Englewood while Jim was in grade school. He attended St. Louis Grade School and graduated from St. Francis De Sales High School in 1950.
He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad throughout his high school years but rather than follow his father into a career with the railroad he was called to a life of service to his nation.
Jim was home on leave from the Pacific visiting family when he met Marjorie Ann Dunphy in Wood River, Nebraska in 1953. He and Marge married in Wood River three years later in May of 1956. Together they had two daughters, Barbara and Colleen. From Morocco to Labrador to the Mojave Desert and several SAC bases in between Jim, Marge, Barb and Colleen travelled the globe throughout Jim’s Air Force career. They experienced a rich, full life as a supportive Air Force family.
Jim served his country in uniform for over 31 years. Initially, he served in the Colorado National Guard then for 30 years in the United States Air Force. He liked to share that when he was in the Guard he would ride the train from Denver to Colorado Springs to duty at Camp Carson before it was a Fort. A dedicated Air Policeman/Security Policeman, he spent most of his career in Strategic Air Command and Air Force Systems Command. He saw action during the Vietnam War, serving two tours at forward deployed air bases in Thailand. Jim was a decorated marksman, collecting several championship trophies in both pistol and rifle competitions throughout his career.
After Jim’s retirement from the Air Force in 1981, he spent 20 years as a Civil Servant at Edwards Air Force Base, California and in Colorado Springs.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Marge. He is survived by his two daughters: Barbara (Chuck) Coghlin of Colorado Springs, and Colleen (David) Rondinelli of Littleton, Colorado. He has four wonderful grandchildren: Megan, Mary, Charlie and Anthony (Tony).
He’ll be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. with the Rosary beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 N. Carefree Circle. Burial will be at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area A.
Ron & Susan Yakkel
29 Jun 2019Our sincere condolences to the Coghlin Ohana. We were privileged to meet the Chief and Marge while they visited our wonderful neighbors, the Coghlins, at Hickman’s AFB, HI. They were a remarkable couple and will be sorely missed. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. Aloha Chief! RIP.
Kate Shipley
29 Jun 2019Colleen and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I only met him twice but it was so apparent that he was a special man, husband and father. What a wonderful life he lived! So many years of service to our country. I know he will be profoundly missed by all of you. I hope you find solace in your many memories of this special man.
Kate Shipley
Jeff and Darlene Palmer
30 Jun 2019So sorry of the loss of your Father and Grandfather
I know you all will miss him so!
He served our country all of his life which he loved.
Rest In Peace
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Jeff and Darlene
Susan Jennaway
30 Jun 2019Barb , Chuck and Colleen I am so sorry to hear this news. I’m on my cruise in Alaska so will not be able to make it to the funeral but will try to come for the burial. I’ll contact you when I get back to Kansas. My love and prayers and distant hugs surround you. The Chief was an amazing man! What a celebration there is in heaven as he is reunited with your Mom❤️
Gordon S. Dietrich
1 Jul 2019I had the pleasure and honor of working with Chief Markey for six years at Falcon Air Force Station. I always called him Chief as a sign of my respect for him. We were working on a National priority Strategic Defense Initiative (aka Star Wars) project called the National Test Facility for Air Force LtGeneral James Abramson. Chief Markey was the lead for the design, test, build, and implementation of a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory security system. In thirty years, Chief Markey’s system has never had a security issue. In one of our meetings, LtGen Abramson came up to Chief – all happy to see him from Chief’s time at Edwards Air Force Base. Chief lead by example and always had a positive attitude. As a U.S. Army infantryman stationed with the Air Force, Chief did his best to keep me out of trouble. I was smart enough not to challenge him to a rifle or pistol shooting match as he was an expert marksman with both (which is very unusual). In all of my time with him, he was an exceptional family man always talking about Marge, Barbara, and Colleen and the Air Force Academy officers (F-15 and F-16 fighter pilots) they married. I am so very sorry for your loss. Chief Markey was one of my personal heroes and a real contributor to our Country’s defense. God Speed Chief Markey and thank you.
Gert and Tom Finnegan
5 Jul 2019Your father, along with your mom, was instrumental in the success of our son, Joe, during his four years at USAFA. Theirs was truly his home away from home, and, thankfully, we felt that they were a part of our own family, and we all were blessed to have been a part their lives. We treasure their memories, and trust that God has a special home for them. May your loss be tempered by His love and grace. With love from Gert and Tom Finnegan.
Daniel J. Anderson, Major, USAF-Retired ("Andy")
8 Jul 2019I served with Chief Markey in the 6510th Security Police Squadron at Edwards AFB during the mid- to late-1970’s. He was my supervisor while I was in a back office position. A finer man and NCO I have never met. He had a significant impact on my Air Force career. My deepest condolences to the Markey family. I am very sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to see him again later in life at two reunions of the 6510th SPS, one in Colorado and one at Edwards AFB. On behalf of the Edwards “Desert Rats,” a hand salute for a job well done and God Speed Chief Markey.
Richard Lukofnak
10 Jul 2019Our condolences and prayers go out the Markey family..
Rest in Peace Chief.
See ya on the other side…
– Rich & Gee-Gee Lukofnak
6510th Security Police Sq
. Edward’s AFB, CA (76-77)
Larry Vinson
10 Mar 2020Rest in Peace Chief Markey!