James Berkley (Berk) Mark, 69 of Mt. Sterling, a devotedhusband, father and friend of many, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026 at the UofL Jewish Hospital in Louisville, KY. He was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, on April 16, 1957, the son of the late Thomas B. Mark and Ethel Frances Mark. He was a farmer, mentor, and school bus driver.

Berk was a proud graduate and football player of Montgomery County High School. He also had lifelong friendships from his time at Morehead State University, where he received his Associate's Degree before returning to his family farm. He valued his family farming legacy and enjoyed more than anything being out on the farm with his two boys. He was passionate about agriculture and farmed for over 50 years. He served as President of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau for over 20 years, as Charter and Executive Board member of the Montgomery County Cattlemen's Association, and on the Extension Council. He was named Outstanding Young Tobacco Farmer of Kentucky in 1989 and paved the way with innovative farming practices, as one of the first farmers in the state to use tobacco float beds. His passion led him to connect with others throughout the county and state. He cherished his friends and never missed an opportunity to connect or catch up. Beginning in 2020, he transitioned to leasing the family farm and found joy in working with younger producers while no longer having to manage the day-to-day operations. For the last few years, he has been driving a special-needs school bus, where he cared for and built strong connections with the kids.

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

He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and beloved son Corey C. Mark.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 pm at Gateway Christian Church in Mt. Sterling, KY. Funeral services will be held on April 29, 2026, at noon at Gateway Christian Church, with Pastor Bill Kilgore officiating. Burial will follow at Machpelah Cemetery in Mt. Sterling, KY.Reception to follow at Gateway Christian Church. Taul Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers will be Wes Whisman, Patrick Daily, Art Amburgey, Jerry Long, Mark Kinsey, and Lincoln Clifford. Honorary Pallbearers: Grady C. Mark, Bobby Whitaker, David Donaldson, Eric George, Ben Clifford, and Jerrod Long.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Gateway Christian Church and Backpack Project 52, which serves Montgomery County youth by providing access to food beyond school-provided provisions.