James Martin

James L. Martin, 73, a resident of rural Columbia City and formerly of Green Township in Noble County, died at 1:10 a. m. Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at the family residence. Although he had been in declining health since December, his death was unexpected. Mr. Martin was born on January 14, 1935 in North Manchester, a son of Joe W. and Ruth (Barker) Martin. He spent his formative years in Huntington, and graduated from Huntington High School in 1953. On December 11, 1953 he was married in Andrews to Nina King, and as a young man served with the U. S. Air Force in various parts of the continental United States. The couple moved from Huntington to Green Township in 1973, and lived in the Green Center community for 24 years until moving north of Columbia City in 1997. He was engaged in farming in Green Township for many years, and and been employed as a senior electrical engineer with General Telephone in Fort Wayne, retiring from there in 1990 after 26 years. In 1987 he was awarded a U. S. patent for telephone equipment. He was a member of Churubusco Lodge 515 F&AM, and in his leisure time enjoyed traveling throughout the United States by motor home or camping. He also enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and most especially enjoyed his grandsons. The surviving relatives include his wife Nina, to whom he was married for over 54 years; a son Tom (Teresa) Martin of Churubusco; and two grandsons Bryan Martin and Bradley Martin, both at home. Another grandson Andrew Martin preceded him in death on November 12, 1994. Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Friday, April 11, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Christine Newman-Jacobs, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating. The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Thursday from 5 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Friday morning. Churubusco Lodge 515 F&AM will conduct memorial services at 8 p. m. Thursday at the mortuary. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery at Servia. The family requests that memorials be directed to Riley Hospital for Children, 702 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202 ************************************* To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Martin's memory, please click on "Condolences" below. . .