James Marcus "Mark" Tumlin, 85, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, passed away on November 17, 2024. While walking back from his garden with a handful of black-eyed peas, Mark fell and after several weeks of fighting, he passed away from complications related to his injuries.

Born in Tishomingo, Mississippi, Mark was the son of the late William Alexander Tumlin and Artie Mae Russell Tumlin. He graduated from Tishomingo High School in 1957 and went on to Mississippi State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering through a co-op program. Later, he attended Georgia Tech, earning a Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Urban Planning.

On June 2, 1962, Mark married Brenda Sue Carson, whom he met through her brother, one of Mark's hunting buddies. Shortly after their marriage, the couple embarked on an exciting journey with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) training program. Over three years, they lived in Montana, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, D.C., Alabama, Texas, Colorado, Utah, and North Carolina. Eventually, his career with FHWA took them to Georgia, Florida, Alabama, California, and back to Florida before settling in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Mark retired as a Division Administrator for the FHWA in 1994.

Along the way, Mark and Brenda welcomed three children: Mary Luann, Manda Lisa, and William Marcus.

Mark was a passionate outdoorsman who found immense joy in hunting, fishing, and gardening. Whether casting a line on a tranquil lake or nurturing his vibrant garden, he reveled in the simple pleasures of life and cherished time spent with loved ones. His deep appreciation for nature and family leaves a lasting legacy for all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Luann.

Mark is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Brenda; his daughter, Manda Simon, and her husband, Steve; his son, Will Tumlin, and his wife, Stacy; his son-in-law, Jimmy Soto: and his dear grandchildren, Callie, Emma, Valerie, Arabella, and Maddox. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Emma Lansing and Myra Ann Pepper, who will miss him dearly.

Mark's life was marked by adventure, dedication, and love—a true testament to the beauty of a life well-lived.

Family and friends will gather at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, P.A., 2325 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093, on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 2 PM until 3 PM with a Memorial Service beginning at 3 PM.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Friends for Life, 12365 Ashcake Rd., Ashland, VA 23005; online: https://www.friendsforlifehanover.org/