Justilian "Jesse" Martin, Jr.

Justilian “Jesse” Martin, Jr. beloved husband, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend was called to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 2, 2025 (at the age of 78). He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Justilian and Theresa Martin.

He is preceded in death by his parents; beloved uncle, Salvador; and beloved grandmother, Rose Mascone. He is survived by his wife, Mona; his brother Marty Martin; several nieces and nephews, and was a proud godfather to 10 godchildren.

Jesse graduated from West Jefferson High School in Marrero, LA where he excelled in all sports until his athletic career ended with a knee injury.

He received an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge. During Vietnam, Uncle Sam invited him to serve his country and was assigned to the 112th military intelligence unit assigned to Fort Sam Houston where he met his wife. After completing his tour of duty and one year of courtship, they married and made San Antonio their home. They were married for 52 years and in 2022 renewed their vows to celebrate their golden anniversary.

In 1975, he received his Jurisprudence Doctorate degree from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and began his long career of government service. His first government job was with the State Attorney General’s office in the child support unit. He later worked as a trial attorney for the Immigration & Naturalization Service.

From 1991 until he retired, he was the Administrative Law Judge and Chief of the office of Hearings and Appeals for the Social Security administration.

Jesse was a founding member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a Eucharistic minister, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

They loved entertaining and having people over. Each year Jesse and Mona continued traditions celebrating Mardi Gras and St. Joseph’s Day. This included recipes learned from Jesse’s grandmother.

Jesse loved to travel with Mona. They took an expedition trip to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu. They enjoyed cruising and took a trip to the Holy Lands and Egypt with a cruise on the Niles. They returned to numerous favorite places; Rome, Spain, France, Amalfi Coast, Italy, Russia, Alaska, Hawaii, Sicily, Costa Rica, Ireland, Scotland, Venice, Switzerland, Germany as well as continuously traveling to new locations. They have visited numerous states of the United States and visited all seven continents.

Visitation will be at 6:00 pm followed by a rosary held at 7:00 pm at Porter Loring Mortuary North (2102 N Loop 1604 East) on St. Joseph Day, Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (20523 Huebner Road) at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery mausoleum with military honors.