John James Martin

John is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Cynthia “Cindy” Martin; his children, Mike (Betty) Martin, Amy Kolo, and Angie Smigelski; Cindy’s children, Tracy (Neil Carlson) Evanoff and Tanya Gahler; grandchildren, Kari, Garrett, Riley, Valin, Sharon, Jonnie, Mia, Lilly, Liviah, and Liam; and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Carolyn Musser and Susan Lowell; sister-in-law, Shirley Oswald; brother-in-law, Jim Wilson; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Martin; sisters, Maureen Schuldt, Jeanene Frerk, and Linda McKillip; brothers-in-law, Bud Musser, Dick Schuldt, Dick Frerk, Russ Lowell, Kerry McKillip, and Eddie Oswald; and sister-in-law, Sandy Wilson.

After graduating from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1960, John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines in 1964. During college, he joined the Army ROTC and later received a delayed entry to active duty while beginning his career at 3M.

After one year at 3M, John joined the United States Army and was sent to Vietnam. From 1965 to 1969, he completed four tours, serving with the 101st Airborne Division, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, as an advisor to the Vietnamese Airborne Division—Team 162, and with the Provincial Reconnaissance Units (PRUs). After serving his country, John returned to the South Dakota School of Mines and earned a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He then returned to 3M, where he built a 38-year career.

John served as an Army Captain with extraordinary bravery, commitment, and patriotism. His years in Vietnam shaped him deeply, and he carried the lessons, experiences and most of all – the friendships of that service throughout his life. He was known for sharing captivating stories from his military service, describing experiences that reflected both the challenges he endured and the strength of character that defined him. A few months before John passed, he published Old Paratroopers Never Die, preserving many stories for others to remember and cherish.

John was deeply patriotic and devoted many years to serving his community through the VFW Post 9024. He coordinated the Honor Guard and Rifle Squad for many years and led the Woodbury Memorial Day Service, passing the torch when he turned 80.

For several years, John gave presentations to groups of Woodbury Middle School students about his Vietnam experience. He brought Vietnam “souvenirs,” photographs, a parachute, and even dressed as an Airborne paratrooper. He titled the presentation “The Vietnam War & My Very Small Part In It,” and the students were captivated by all he shared.

John was also a magician and enjoyed performing for family, friends, and the students at Northern Voices. Bringing joy to others was one of his greatest gifts.

John and Cindy shared many adventures together, including winters in Hawaii, ski trips to Lake Tahoe, golfing, rollerblading, and skydiving to name a few. At home, John took great pride in his yard, striving to showcase the best yard on the street.

Those who knew John best remember him as funny, thoughtful, generous, patient, and determined. He had a quiet strength that made others feel supported, cared for, and special. He was known for giving meaningful gifts that celebrated memories and milestones, reflecting the care and thought he put into every relationship.

John lived a life devoted to service—to his country, his family, and his community. He will be remembered for his courage, kindness, generosity, and love, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 29, 2026, John’s 84th birthday, at Woodbury Lutheran Church—Valley Creek Campus, 7380 Afton Road, Woodbury, Minnesota, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. A committal service will follow at Rutherford Cemetery, 7601 Manning Ave. No., Stillwater, Minnesota, at approximately 2:00 p.m.

If desired, memorials may be given to Woodbury Lutheran Church, The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

John James Martin Celebration of Life Service on June 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM - CST.

A live stream link will be available 15 minutes prior to the service.

LIVE STREAM LINK:

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