James "Jim" Richard Martin, 86, of Falls Church, Virginia passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2021. Jim was born on January 15, 1935 in Winston Salem, North Carolina to the late Joseph Carter Martin and Dorothy Elizabeth Kinney Martin.
After graduating from high school in Norfolk, Virginia, Jim joined the Virginia National Guard where he was a forward observer for an artillery battalion. While serving in the National Guard Jim worked in heating and air conditioning, eventually earning a degree in mechanical engineering from Old Dominion University. During this time, he met the love of his life and wife for sixty years, Shirley Sue Harker. Jim and Shirley settled in the Washington D.C. area, first in N.W. Washington D.C., then in Rockville Maryland and for the last 49 years in Falls Church, Virginia. They raised three children, many pets, traveled to many parts of the world and made sure to keep family first. In addition to his family, Jim loved to observe and take care of the world’s many creatures, especially the blue jays, chipmunks and squirrels that would call him out for their daily peanuts. Jim was also well known at the local 7-11 where, when getting his morning coffee, he met and befriended many people from all walks of life and from many locations around the world and engaged many using his high school Spanish.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Shirley Harker Martin, son, James "Jamie" Martin and wife Jill of Falls Church, Virginia, daughter Karen Sanders of Santa Monica, California, son Stephen Martin of Seattle, Washington and grandchildren Adam Martin of Centreville, Virginia, Bryan Martin of Norfolk, Virginia, Erik Martin of Falls Church, Virginia, Ruby “Cal” Sanders and Grayson Sanders of Santa Monica, California. Of course, there are many, many dear family members and friends who are special to Jim, especially the members of the Har-Mar-Har clan and his colleagues at Bishop Equipment Company where he worked for more than 50 years.
In addition to his parents, Jim is predeceased by his two brothers and their spouses: Harold Martin, his wife Margret and J. C. Martin and his wife Jackie.
We would like to thank Teri Stokes who helped Jim with caring attention to keep him smiling and enjoying each day.
In lieu of flowers please consider giving to groups that support the protection of wildlife.
A Graveside Service, with military honors, will be held on June 17, 2021 at 11:00 am at Greenleaf Memorial Park Cemetery in New Bern, North Carolina. Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com. The staff at Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the Martin family. Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory, 2201 Neuse Blvd. New Bern, NC 28560, 252-637-8131.
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