James Lee Martin

James Lee Martin went to be with his Heavenly Father on April 12, 2026. Jim was born on December 16, 1932, in Jacksonville, Illinois, to James and Mabel Martin. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Dolores Martin, his youngest brother, Don Martin, and his children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Herbert Martin, Carl Martin, Marian Pitts, Wanda Parnell, and Joyce Nichols. Jim was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a proud great-grandfather, and a cherished friend to many. Jim spent his early years in Illinois and Missouri, graduating from high school in St. Louis, Missouri. He often shared fond memories of working doubleheaders for the St. Louis Cardinals, selling concessions in the bleachers as a young boy. In high school, he was an avid long-distance runner who completed several marathons. Following graduation, Jim served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his service, he returned to St. Louis, where he met and married Dolores Ann Downes, beginning a beautiful life together. While working, he attended night school at Washington University in St. Louis, earning a degree in Business. Jim built a distinguished career in Human Resources with Phillips Petroleum, spanning almost 40 years and taking his family to many places across the country. Among his many professional accomplishments, he was especially proud of his role as staffing director for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline project in the mid-1970s. Jim loved sharing wonderful stories of his unique travel and work experiences with family and friends. He was also committed to public service, serving as an elected city councilman in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and playing a key role in fundraising efforts for the Bartlesville Public Library. Jim found joy in taking road trips across the country, working in the yard, visiting casinos, and playing canasta and games with family and friends. He and Dolores were devoted to their family and could often be found cheering on their children and grandchildren at sporting events and activities. Jim created lasting memories by taking his grandchildren on summer road trips, introducing them to national parks and baseball stadiums across the country. A proud patriot, he instilled a deep love of country in his family, along with a lifelong passion for baseball—and especially for his beloved Houston Astros. Jim is survived by his three children: Laura Ann Sugg (Charles), Janice Martin Sedita (Paul), and James David Martin (Shellina). He was a proud grandfather to Taylor Sugg (Jennifer), Bryant Sugg (Lindsay), Kyle Sedita, Rachel Sedita, Czaja Warnack, and Gabrielle Garcia (Miguel), and a loving great-grandfather to Olivia and Evan Sugg. He was eagerly anticipating the arrival of his third great-grandchild this August. His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped, the values he instilled, and the countless memories shared with those who loved him. Jim had a strong Christian faith and was a member of Living Savior Lutheran Church in Montgomery, Texas where his funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 23, 2026. A family gravesite service at Houston National Cemetery will be held later that day. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org).

James Lee Martin

December 16, 1932 - April 12, 2026