James Douglas Martin

James Douglas Martin, Sr., former U.S Congressman and former Alabama Commissioner of Conservation, passed away October 29, 2017, at Martinwood, his home in Gadsden, Alabama. He was the oldest surviving ex-congressman of the United States.

His funeral service will be at the First United Methodist Church of Gadsden on Friday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. Officiating clergy will be the Reverends Harvey Beck, and Ken Casey. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. The family will also receive friends Thursday, November 2 from 6- 8 p.m. at Collier-Butler Funeral Home. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham.

James Martin’s life’s journey began September 1, 1918, in Tarrant, Alabama. And what a journey it would be. After graduating from high school and business college, Martin began work in Birmingham with the Pan American Petroleum Corporation that later became AMOCO.

In 1941 he requested a leave of absence to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army as a private. Before returning to civilian life in the spring of 1946, he had risen to the rank of major. During those five years, he served as an artillery officer in the 65th Infantry Division attached to the Third Army commanded by General George Patton. As a young captain, he helped to open the gate of the first concentration camp liberated by American forces at Ohrdruf, Germany. He again held the gate open for General Dwight D. Eisenhower to enter. At the age of twenty-seven, he was the first American army officer to arrive in Vienna to begin the restoration of order within the devastated city of Vienna.

After his return from his military commitment, he established Martin Oil Company. As a respected businessman, he was elected president of Associated Industries of Alabama, now known as the Business Council of Alabama. His bid for public office in 1962 began a significant shift in politics in Alabama and Republican politics nationwide. In 1964 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1986 he was appointed as Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. During his seven-year tenure, he created a legacy. His dream of “Forever Wild” became a reality that protects Alabama’s natural environment and provides opportunities for recreation and enjoyment of nature. His proposal to use 250 acres of backwater lands in the City of Gadsden resulted in the local wildlife park that bears his name. Martin served as National Committeeman for the Republican Party. He was a long-time member of the Gadsden Kiwanis and served as local president and state lieutenant-governor.

He was awarded the Governor’s Wildlife Conservationist Award. In 2009 he was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor.

He taught Sunday School at Gadsden First United Methodist Church for more than fifty years. He loved his family and cherished his friends. He served his community, state, and country, but most importantly he revered his God.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Dick Martin, brothers Thomas and Forrest, and sister Dixie Calvert.

He is survived by his wife (Pat Huddleston); sons Douglas Martin, Jr. and Richard H. Martin; daughter Annette Graham Martin; grandchildren Lindsey Martin Lewis (Sam), Millicent Martin, James Douglas Martin III, Rachel Martin, and Patricia Croy; great granddaughters Lola and Dylan Lewis; sister, Mary M. Lowery; sister-in-law Mrs. Blondell Martin; nephew, Thomas Martin (Jane); niece, Jane (Steve) Manley great nephews Richard and Cole Martin; great niece, Joy(Joshua) Finlay.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Martin Fellowship Class of First United Methodist Church, Gadsden Kiwanis Club, and Military Officers Association.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Gadsden, the John Croyle Big Oak Ranch, or to a charity of choice.