James Mark Carlton's Obituary
James Mark Carlton, aged 45, died unexpectedly in the hospital after a brief illness on May 4, 2025, due to respiratory complications.
Born in Lakeland, FL, on July 8, 1979, to Jim and Pam Carlton, Mark grew up in Wauchula, FL, as a faithful follower of Christ. He graduated from Hardee Senior High in 1997, and later attended the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. While at UF, Mark met his wife, Becky Whitten. On June 14, 2003, they were married, and they lived and loved for all their remaining time together. He was the Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and Head Football Coach at Hardee Junior High. He was a dedicated Contract Bond Underwriting Manager for Tokio Marine HCC, and he was also serving as president of the Florida Surety Association at the time of his passing.
Mark was a born-and-bred Gator fan who could often be spotted at football games under the “This is the Swamp” sign. Exactly one year prior to his passing, he gathered as many friends and loved ones as he could on the Party Deck at a Gator baseball game for a “May the Force Be With You Day” celebration. He loved BBQ and National Parks, and he and Becky would frequently spend their vacations pursuing the best of both. (Having judged both the Jack Daniel’s Invitational and Memphis in May, Mark knew what he was talking about, though the BBQ he made himself was just as good!)
He is survived by his wife, Becky, his sister, Amy, and a passel of nieces and nephews: Georgeanne, Ben, Nick, Eliam, Samantha, Vaelin, Carter, and Ethan.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Terrace Way, in Lakeland, FL.
Donations in his memory may be made to:
· Operation BBQ Relief:
https://volunteers.operationbbqrelief.org/donations/donate-now
· New American Pathways:
https://newamericanpathways.org/donate/
· American Cancer Society:
https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=fund26othero&lang=en
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