John Martin

John Dearman Martin (February 19, 1959 - May 11, 2026), father, husband, church leader, and leader in the law, passed away early in the morning on Monday, May 11. Despite a 6 long year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, John continued to be a devoted father, loving husband, best friend, professional leader, and exceptional medical malpractice lawyer. John grappled with the worst of Parkinson’s, but continued to be a positive light in any room he entered.

Colleen always referred to John as a Renaissance Man as worldly does not even begin to describe John. His knowledge of history spanned not only centuries but continents. His range in music taste was incredible- from Britney Spears and Madonna to the Beatles to the greatest jazz players- John Coltrane, Ahmad Jamal, and of course, Mose Allison. John’s geographical interest led to his colossal book collection, ranging from the fiction of Chinua Achebe to the history in S.P.Q.R. by Mary Beard. John loved to travel and his experience of other cultures was deep and wide. One highlight as a fresh high school graduate was traveling from Nigeria back to the US on the supersonic Concorde.

John spent most of his childhood living in Nigeria with his parents and triplet siblings, Margaret Ellen, Michael, and Mary Anne. John brought with him a great many life lessons from his early years in Oyo, but perhaps one of the most memorable was the optimistic wisdom of his father, Henry Martin. John always had a calming presence whenever he entered a room, always did his best to look on the bright side. He always tried to “leave well enough alone,” always a peacemaker with a smile on his face. A longtime client remarked that John’s middle name, Dearman, truly embodied who John was.

John married his best friend in December 2005. Colleen and John were inseparable. They worked together, ran and grew the Wilmington office together, tried cases together, and most importantly raised a beautiful family together. John never went a day without telling Colleen she was the love of his life and his best friend. John was romantic until the end and never missed an opportunity to leave a love note for Colleen anytime he would travel, even if only overnight. A typical work day allowed John and Colleen to work from the comfort of their home offices, constantly collaborating on case strategies, and enjoying having lunch together. Although the senior attorney, John often ran his case theories by Colleen but she knew he didn’t have to as his hunches were always right. Anyone who was around John and Colleen could feel their love and friendship.

John practiced law for 40 years and was described as having been made for “lawyering” and is remembered by many as a “super lawyer” and was recognized yearly by his peers as being one the Best Lawyers in America. John founded the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner, LLP in 2001 and grew it from an office of one to a thriving practice with over 20 attorneys and various

practice areas, and served as a Managing Partner of the firm until stepping down in 2023. Words cannot adequately describe what John meant to the people with whom he practiced. In the final weeks of his life he was presented with an award for Leaders in the Law, a prestigious award bestowed on him based on the written accolades of his peers and colleagues. John was surprised to receive this but everyone around him was not.

But John’s career influence is not just measured by his achievements, but by the hundreds of people whose lives he touched so deeply. His clients and his firm adored John, not just for the brilliant work he did, but for the genuine person he was. John always had a sharp wit and a kind word for any given situation. He was a true gentleman.

John was so immensely proud of his children. John raised them as he treated everyone - with gentle guidance.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Margaret Martin.

He is survived by his best friend and wife, Colleen, his children Callie (Greg), Jack (Sydney), and Banner, his rescue dogs Sydney and Wilbur, by his siblings, Margaret Ellen, Mary Anne (Bill) and Michael (Suzanne). John is also survived by his loving extended family who include his Aunt Mary Blanche (his mom’s twin); his nieces and nephews: Emily (Rob), Ellen (Jackson), Micah, Sumner (Emily); and his cousins Steve (Laurie), Jeff (Allison), and Edwin (Mimi).

A Celebration of John’s life will be held on Sunday, May 17th, 2pm at First Baptist Church, 411 Market Street, Wilmington. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested a donation to First Baptist Church of Wilmington.