James D. “Jim” Martin, 66, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Sunday, November 24, 2019, at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Memorial services will be held 6 PM, Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Dr. Richard Wright, the Rev. B.J. Funk, and the Rev. Earl Perry officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends following the service until 8 PM.
Mr. Martin was born May 22, 1953, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to the late Jack W. & Anne Fussell Martin and graduated from Fitzgerald High School. He was a proud Navy man and served his country honorably being stationed at Cecil Field and later Naval Air Station Jacksonville. He enjoyed traveling the world in defense of our nation as a Patron-56 Dragon and especially enjoyed Iceland and Sicily. He worked on pressurization systems and ejection seats on P-3 aircraft. After a few years at Coachmen Industries, Mr. Martin took over the family business, Martin Motors, where he is perhaps most remembered for his 30 years there as a Yamaha dealer and a Snapper lawnmower dealer. He could fix anything and could work on motors of any kind. He was a man who was straight forward, tough, sensitive, and loving, all at the same time. He served as a mentor to many young men who worked with him as well as young people he would encounter in the community. He loved riding motorcycles with his wife and friends and was well-known in the Enduro Motorcycle Racing circuit in the 1970s. He loved drinking coffee, working in his shop, and spending time with his fur babies. Even after closing Martin Motors in 2010, he continued working on 4-wheelers and motorcycles from his home. He owned a chopper that was once featured on a Yamaha calendar as well as in several national and international magazines. While Mr. Martin faced many hard times and overcame many obstacles in his life, he still believed the world was a wonderful place as he lived life to the fullest. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Gail H. Martin of Fitzgerald; daughters: Jennifer Wyles & Eric of Statesboro and Jill Martin Rowe & T.J. of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: Ian Wyles, Dane Wyles, Everett Rowe and Emery Rowe; brothers: Father Joel Martin of Cullman, Alabama and Jay Martin & Robin of Dublin; a sister, Jennifer Martin Adams & Tripp of Lawrenceville; three nieces, Sarah Martin, Emily Nolan & Jacob, and Anna Youghn & Cody; a nephew: Eric Adams & Bethany; his father-in-law, Bob Hallman & Dot of Fitzgerald; a sister-in-law, Karen Williams & Scott of Fitzgerald; a great-niece and two great-nephews: Kenley Nolan, Reed Nolan, and Tanner Nolan; and his faithful companion, Dixie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Zena Jones Hallman; and beloved dogs: Chopper, Cheyenne, Cricket, and Callie.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 428, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Humane Society, 106 Lions Park Road, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to the Cancer Coalition of Ben Hill & Irwin Counties, c/o Kelli Nelms, P.O. Box 1029, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.