Jay was born in Montgomery, PA, June 30, 1967 he was the son of Fannie Emma Martin and the late Paul Sauder Martin.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Tiffany Michelle Harder and his father-in-law, James Hicks.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Janet Martin; his step-son, Christopher Shaun Harder; 14 siblings, Lynn Martin (Betty), Nancy Ulrich (Roy), Lucy Allgyer (Ken), Harold Martin (Edna Ruth), Joyce Yoder (Dwayne), Karen Weaver (Larry), David Martin (Christine), James Martin (Janie), Joan Yoder (Steve), Jerold Martin (Joyce), Janet Miller (Paul), Sharon Bender (Raymond), Donna Lehman (Phillip) and Randy Martin (Anita); his mother-in-law, Margaret Hicks, two sisters-in-law, Linda Willey (Walt) and Judy Carter; brother-in-law, Randy Hicks and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends.
Jay was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church and accepted Jesus as his personal Savior in his teen years. His love for God and people was exemplified in his servant’s heart and words of encouragement. Anyone who knew Jay was blessed by his overflowing kindness, unfaltering optimism, contagious laugh, and mischievous smile. People always came first for him. He gladly gave of his time and mechanical abilities to whoever needed help.
The impact Jay made on the lives of his nieces, nephews and friends’ children, beyond being the instigator of all things fun, will last forever. Martin camping trips, holiday celebrations, family gatherings, ski trips and beach trips with friends were his favorite things to do. Jay’s legacy of faith and love will live on forever in our hearts.
A service celebrating his life and faith will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Thomas Road Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Thomas Road Baptist Church.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider The Duffle Bag Project, www.dufflebagproject.org or We Help Children, a ministry to help children and families, www.wehelpchildren.org/donate.
