James Matthew Martin

In his own words, “Nothing much else happened until January 1967 when he enlisted in the USMC…Finishing up boot camp in September of 1968, Sgt. Martin arrived at Quantico with an “attitude” … Having once flown on a Boeing 707, he was found qualified for flight school.” He went on to become a helicopter pilot, designated both an Army and Naval aviator and served two tours in the Vietnam war. He was on active duty until 1975 then retired from the USMC reserve in 1991. Jim pursued the love of his life, Juliann Truskol, for years, and they were wed September 20, 1969. Jim and Julie were blessed with five children (Amanda, Joel, Michael, Angela, Jamie) and seven grandchildren. Jim was a compassionate and caring human; he and Julie opened their home to numerous other “Martin children”; loved them and helped raise them as their own. He went on to become a Claims Manager and VP at Maxon Young Associates, where he made many lifelong friendships. Jim was larger than life; a boisterous, loving, kind, loyal, intelligent, enthusiastic individual. He was an active member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club; a proud choir member of the St Mary’s Filipino Choir in Marysville, WA; and spent time as a soccer coach, referee and volunteer president for the Marysville Youth Soccer Association. His family cannot express how much he will be missed, as he is the rock that held us all together; Jim and Julie showed their children and extended family the meaning of love. His Marine Corps comrades would say they were “fortunate to have known him and have served with him.” As Jim’s USMC comrade, Jack Bowdle, recently wrote, “Jay Em and I are both glad that God is eternally ‘Semper Fidelis’”. May he Rest In Peace. Flowers and gifts may be sent to 9802 48th Dr. NE, Marysville, WA 98270.