Leak and Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Chicago, IL 60619, May 23, 2024. Memorial: 11:00am ~ 12:00pm

Mark Jiles, age 63, died peacefully in his sleep on April 17, 2024. He was born in Chicago on August 30, 1960, to Thomas and Shirley Jiles into a household which included two older sisters, a great aunt and later, a dog named Frenchie.

An outgoing child, with a quick wit, Mark never met a topic unworthy of debate. He had an entire vocabulary of phrases and nicknames he invented. His brother-in-law who loved to dance was “Disco Nate.” Mark dubbed himself “Tippy Toes,” a reference to his agility in the game of tag and called his evasive moves the “Tippy Tolino weave.” He had an easy smile and never a harsh word for anyone.

His eccentric personality applied to his taste in music. While other teenagers enjoyed pop and R&B, Mark jammed to punk rock. He named himself the lead of an imaginary band – Ticonsimegon Funk Europa.

Mark attended Kenwood High School. Afterwards, with his outgoing nature and gift of gab, he took a succession of sales jobs, spending the most time in automobile sales.

As a young adult, Mark spent years as a Jehovah’s Witness. Through his faith and devotion, he rose to become an Elder. He was previously married to Monica Sanders. Mark moved to Dallas where he resided for nearly two decades.

He returned to Chicago around 10 years ago and picked up where he left off, selling cars and cheering for his teams, the Cowboys and the Bears. Conspiracy theories were another interest, and he'd gladly expound on these if you had a few minutes.

Mark is survived by his siblings, Lauren Jiles (Nathaniel) Johnson and Roderick (Willie) Height. He was the funny, eccentric uncle to his nieces and nephews, Tory Lewis, Roderick Height III, Mark (Cassidy) Dillard, Gwlie (Tyrone) Taylor, Sean (Melanie) Dillard, Nathaniel Johnson and Victoria Johnson. His parents, Thomas and Shirley Jiles, and his sister, Gwlie (Edward) Dillard, preceded him in death.