James "Jim" Martin, age 90, died peacefully at home with his family after a lifetime struggle with lung problems. He leaves his wife of 68 years, Sharon, to comfort their large family of relatives and friends. Their children, Gaye, Kerry and Lynn, all with spouses, live nearby along with eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and five great great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by their son, Danny and spouse Sheryl in 2022 and 2023, both parents, and seven of his siblings.

Jim was born in Adams County, New Oxford, Pennsylvania, an 8th generation American, fifth child of eleven born to Joseph and Estella Kuhn Martin. Only Jim left Pennsylvania, he chose Michigan, and remained a lifelong resident after his military years and oil industry work in Louisiana, except for winters in Florida,

Jim joined the USAF in 1953 and served in the States and Canada for 9 years during the Korean War. He was an Air Force cook, then in civilian life he was a licensed Master Mechanic, operating Parkdale 66 and caring for the Century Boat truck fleet in Manistee, and finally Owner-Operator of his own truck. After Jim retired, he enjoyed his Manistee National Forest homestead, working part time for local trucking companies, playing golf, and spending winters in Florida for twenty years. Volunteering for charitable organizations both in Michigan and Florida were favorites of both, but grandkids were his pride and joy, and were always a welcome treat for him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11:00am. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00am until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please give to or volunteer at the charity of your choice, especially if it involves children.

Please visit Jim's page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a photo, memory, or condolences. Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee is honored to assist the family during this difficult time.