The family of James Clement “Jim” Marek, 93, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Jim entered the US Navy in 1940. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Jim’s ship, the USS Nevada, was moored just aft of the USS Arizona at Battleship Row, Pearl Harbor. Jim was ashore in Honolulu when the Japanese attacked. He raced to the Nevada to defend her and her port crossing the deck of the Arizona on his way. Jim made it aboard the Nevada and manned his gun just before a bomb detonated in the Arizona’s powder magazine causing a massive explosion and bringing her down.
The Nevada herself was hit by 1 torpedo and at least 6 bombs. In spite of the heavy damage sustained, she was the only battleship to get underway during the attack, though she had to be beached a short while later. Fifty of Jim’s shipmates perished in the attack but Jim was fortunate enough to survive, cementing his place in history as a “Pearl Harbor Survivor”.
After his wartime service Jim worked on San Diego’s tuna boat fleets. He later became an industrial painter for National Steel and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).
Jim is survived by his wife, 3 daughters, 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 2 great-great children. He and his wife would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on December 9, 2016, the day of his service.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying this hero and his family from the church service to a luncheon in his honor. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Friday, December 9, 2016:0945 - Stage at St. Kieran Catholic Church, 1510 Greenfield Dr., El Cajon, CA 92021
https://goo.gl/maps/Q8d3XTzh4M32 (Please arrive quietly as the service will be in progress)
1015 - Mission Briefing
1045 - Flag Line For Dignified Transfer to Vehicle
1100 - KSU For Clubhouse at Family Residence (Approx 2 mi)
1115 - Flag Line For Dignified Transfer Into Clubhouse
R/C Lorenzo LizarragaSoCal PGR Ride Captain
619-971-2236
llizarraga@yahoo.com
James C Marek
7/25/23 - 11/18/16
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please post your condolences for the family at the following link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?425935
