Howard John “Jack” Marks, head of the Baltimore-based John Marks Associates advertising agency, died unexpectedly Friday morning, his company said. He was 63.
Marks died at about 8:30 a.m. at his home in Glyndon, according to company spokesman Michael Gervais.
One source said county personnel were dispatched to Glyndon for a reported gunshot wound to the head, but when they arrived they reported back the victim was dead and called for the medical examiner and police. County police public information officers did not return repeated calls.
Marks’ business was centered in the auto and retail markets, according to advertising executive Bob Leffler, owner of the Leffler Agency in Baltimore and Tampa, Fla.
Both sectors have been hit hard by the ongoing recession, with related advertising agencies reporting losses as well.
Gervais said control of the company will be assumed by two current partners, Leonard Weinstein and Susan Jackson. He said it will remain at its current location on Clarksview Road in Baltimore County.
Leffler said he was not familiar with specific details of Marks’ business or death, but he said he had heard of at least one party soliciting Marks’ clients Friday afternoon.
“Anyone who would call any of those clients is the lowest form of humanity on the face of the Earth,” Leffler said. “Hands off. I know they [Marks’ employees] are trying hold that agency together. Let them. And show some respect.”
Leffler said he once interviewed with Marks for a job at local television Channel 2.
“He was the kind of guy who could deal with the roughest, toughest clients,” Leffler said. “He was the best.”
Editor Frank Keegan contributed to this story.
