Ag Advocate: Those who knew him say Berkley Mark dedicated his life to ag, helping farmers

James Berkley Mark, whose advocacy on behalf of agriculture knew no bounds on a state and local level, died April 24 at the University of Louisville Jewish Hospital. He was 69.

Mark and his family operated a farm on Paris Pike.

Mark served as president of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau for more than 20 years, the executive board of the Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association and was named Outstanding Young Tobacco Farmer of Kentucky in 1989.

Mark also served on the county’s agriculture development council that allocate funds locally from the Master Tobacco Settlement.

Marshall Coyle, president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau, said Mark was devoted to helping agriculture and farmers in any way possible.

“He was an advocate completely,” Coyle said of Mark’s commitment to supporting agriculture. “He was interested in agriculture all across this state. You have to have it in your heart and he did.

“Anything that benefitted agriculture he was certainly supportive of,” he added.

Gary Hamilton, agriculture extension agent for Montgomery County, said Mark was always advocating for scholarship opportunities for those pursuing education in agriculture.

Mark participated in one of the biggest innovations in tobacco farming years ago when he was among the first local farmers to use tobacco float beds, said Ron Catchen, former Montgomery County extension agent for agriculture, who now serves as county director.

Mark strongly believed that farmers must be good stewards of the land, Catchen said.

“He used to say that his dad always told him if you take care of the land the land will always take care of you,” Catchen said.

Mark was known statewide for his support of agriculture, those who knew him said.

“His passion led him to connect with others throughout the county and state,” his obituary said. “He cherished his friends and never missed an opportunity to connect or catch up.”

Coyle added of Mark, “Everyone who knew him loved him.”

Mark most recently drove a special-needs school bus, “where he cared for and built strong connections with kids,” according to his obit.

Mark is survived by his wife, Jackie Mark of Mt. Sterling; their son, Tyler (Rebecca) Mark of Simpsonville; daughter-in-law, Ashley Mark (widow of Corey C. Mark) of Ft. Mitchell; and cherished grandson, Grady C. Mark of Fort Mitchell; a sister, Susan Mark Stidam of Taylorsville; and nieces, Rebecca Stidam Barnard of Lexington and Rachel Stidam Bratton of Richmond.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at Gateway Christian Church.

Donations are suggested to the church and Backpack Project 52, which serves Montgomery County youth by providing access to food beyond school-provided provisions.