James Michael Marsh

Jim was a native of Prague, Oklahoma, who had a life full of travel and adventures. He joined the National Guard of Oklahoma while in high school and was discharged at 17 to join the Navy.

During his time in the Navy, he served many different positions, always with accolades from his commanding officers. He was on a ship that was part of the astronaut recovery crew in the 1960s. He met his wife Glenda, while stationed in Memphis in 1966. In 1969 his quick thinking allowed his crew to perform a water rescue which would be the first of many lives he saved. He also was on a ship that gave John Wayne a ride from California to Hawaii. After a 22 year career, he retired from the Navy in 1978 and joined the Naval Reserves until May 1986.

He continued to support the Navy at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland from 1978 until he retired in 2002.

Jim and his wife moved back to Prague when he retired in 2002 and have embedded themselves into the local community, avid supporters of the Red Devils, usually spotted at softball or basketball games.

Jim is survived by his wife, Glenda, his son Jim Marsh of Prague and his daughter, Rhonda Burley (Frank) of Florida. He has 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He is one of six siblings, survived by his three sisters and two brothers.

Jim will be cremated and have a burial at sea by the Navy “…to be returned to the sea from which we all came”. He will be missed by many and was loved by all.