My name is James Markfort and I am many things, a Son, Brother, Friend, Husband, Father, Coach, etc. But no matter the title, they all, along with life experiences and people I have met along the way have shaped me into the person I am today. My focus is on faith, family & community; my passion is the outdoors & sports. Our plan when we moved to this community in May 2008 was to be here 5 years, then move back to the Cities, fortunately for us the housing crash took care of that and we never looked back. Thank you, Big Lake, for allowing us to a part of this Community and its journey. HORNET NATION LOUD & PROUD!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We love Lake Cafe, especially for Breakfast. Trails Bar & Grill for their amazing Burgers and Fried Pickle Spears. El Loro, because who doesn’t love Mexican Food.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
14 Years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
With both my wife Sarah and I being as involved as we are in the Community over the years, from PTO to Youth Athletics, we have been so blessed to meet so many amazing families it’s hard to just point to that one that stood out the most. Everyone has a story uniquely different from the other, some will make you cry, some will make you laugh, it’s in those stories that makes being in a Community like Big Lake such a blessing.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
Yes, we have a Boston Terrier named Rogue and a Gold Fish named Alex.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
‘Every day the clock resets. Your wins don’t matter. Your failures don’t matter. Don’t stress on what was, fight for what could be.’ -Sean Higgins
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel to India as there is so much history and beauty to see from the Taj Mahal to the Beaches of Goa.
Q: What is your favorite current or former business in our community?
Coburns; where a 5 minute stop can turn into a 90 minute mini-reunion with family, friends and neighbors.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I’m not too sure how many residents are aware but we have an amazing overabundance of lakes i.e. Big, Mitchell, Eagle, Birch, Ann, Thompson, just to name a few; include access to the Sherburne County Sand Dunes & Refugee, we are blessed to have so much at our disposal in terms of recreational usage from hiking fishing, boating, ATV/UTV and snowmobile trails, etc.. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Big Lake is at the epicenter and it’s just a short drive from the Twin Cities.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
One step to closer to retirement and being a full-time fisherman.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I was a Chef.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My amazing wife Sarah and our 3 beautiful kids Brady, Jadyn and Maddox; they are the 4 most important people in my life that I want to make proud of me.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of Big Lake?
No Hustle & Bustle, Rich in Pride and Controversial at Times
