Montana State University Extension Agent Jerry Marks Retiring After 54 Years in Missoula County

by Brett McRae

BOZEMAN — Jerry Marks, Montana State University Extension agriculture agent in Missoula County, will retire on Friday, March 1, after serving MSU Extension and Missoula County for more than 54 years.

Marks is well known by Extension employees across Montana and has mentored dozens of current and former Extension agents, according to Cody Stone, executive director of MSU Extension. He added that no employee has enjoyed a longer tenure with MSU Extension.

“The impact of Jerry’s work goes far beyond his local community; it reaches across Extension and Montana,” Stone said. “We are honored to recognize Jerry for more than 54 years of community engagement and leadership. We wish him the best in retirement.”

Marks’ legacy includes the formation of many programs and community efforts related to horticulture, forestry and youth education. In 1974, Marks became the first Extension agent in Montana to offer Master Gardener, an education and volunteer service organization that promotes research-based horticultural practices, according to John Hawley, MSU Extension director of communications . The program has grown to have hundreds of Montanans now participating annually.

In late 2022, Missoula County named the new Rocky Mountain Gardens and Exploration Center in Marks’ honor. The Gerald W. Marks Exploration Center and Rocky Mountain Gardens Center was designed for scientific education and community-centered learning. Opening the center had been a goal for Marks since the late 1990s, Marks said.

Extension agents like Marks serve in communities across the state in collaboration with counties and reservations.

“Jerry has a particular knack for bringing people and organizations together, for helping them turn their ideas into action,” said Juanita Vero, Missoula County commissioner. “Following his well-earned retirement, his legacy will continue through the many programs he helped get off the ground and that remain vital to our region’s agriculture, horticulture and community development. He can truly sit in the shade of the tree he planted. How lucky we are he chose to stick with us all these years.”

Marks said he plans to enjoy retirement and intends to stay involved with Extension activities and other local community events.

“I do plan to spend time traveling with my family,” said Marks. “But I’ve had a long career helping people build programs, and I don’t think I can completely walk away from that.” 

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MSU News Service

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