James R. Martin, (Jim), was born June 26, 1933 in Bennington, Vermont to James and Violet Martin. Jim was the big brother to Janet Martin (Serwe), Paul Martin and John Martin.
Upon graduation from Arlington Memorial High School in 1951, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1952. He was stationed in Europe for four years. Upon discharge, he moved to New York City where he met Pearl in 1957. They married in April of 1960. They raised three children: James Douglas (Doug), Beth and Heather. He worked in the air freight business for 40 years, a job that took him from New York, Boston, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Oregon, Washington, then back to Oregon upon retirement.
Since retirement in 1997, Jim and Pearl enjoyed traveling together, going to Europe and traveling back East to see family. Jim also spent as many as five days a week on the golf course, as well as spending time with his kids and grandkids who all lived close by.
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Pearl; son Doug, daughter Beth (Robert Valitski), daughter Heather (Jeff Ingram), eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, his brother Paul and wife Fran, brother-in-law Harvey of Wisconsin and sister-in-law Tonda of Indiana. Jim was blessed to be a part of a large, extended family and is survived by many, many, many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jim was very active with the Knights of Columbus starting in the late 1960s and was a parishioner at St. Michael’s Parish in Sandy, Oregon since 1998.
There will be a celebration of Jim’s life at a later date.