James William Martin

JAMES WILLIAM MARTIN James William Martin, 75, went home to be with the Lord on January 20, 2017. He was born on February 19, 1941 at home in Franklin, Texas and moved to Hearne, Texas in 1943. While he was growing up, James survived two terrifying accidents. As a child, he fell out of a moving car, knocking him unconscious for several minutes. As a carefree teenager, he fell six stories off of the Brazos River Bridge. He was in a coma for 8 days at the Hearne Searcy-Fleming Hospital. Even with these accidents, he was active in school, playing football, and graduating from Hearne High School in 1959. He attended Sam Houston State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness in 1962. He loved the town and people of Huntsville so much that he made his home in Huntsville when he graduated. James worked for over 30 years as an Allstate Insurance agent, taking care of his customers' insurance needs. Many people will fondly remember him working in his corner Allstate Insurance booth in the old Sears and Roebuck location. For many years he was an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) Lodge #1981, serving several terms as treasurer. James was fun loving and definitely had the gift of gab. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. James is preceded in death by his father, J. B. Martin and his mother, Jimmie Stroud Martin Richardson. He is survived by daughter Becky Spelce and husband Don; son Ed Sheffield and wife Deborah; daughter Shana Cross and husband Bill; daughter Sheila Gaskins and husband Gene; sister Becky Stewart and husband Bubba; sister Sue Martin; sister Connie Miller and husband Net; grandson Kenneth Montgomery; grandson James Gaskins and wife Megan; granddaughter Gwen Sheffield; grandson Brian Gaskins and wife Crystal; two great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and very special friends Paul and Pat Jackson, and Manford Jones. The family would like to thank Dr. Khan, St. Joseph Hospice, The Lexington Center and God's Giving Foundation Caregivers for the great care and compassion given to him during his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to charity of your choice. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017 from 9:00-11:00 am at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. A celebration of his life will follow at 11:00 am in the chapel of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, with Paul Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Norwood Cemetery in Hearne, Texas at 2:00 pm. Pallbearers are Kenneth Montgomery, James Gaskins, Brian Gaskins, Ed Sheffield, Gene Gaskins and Net Miller. Honorary pall bearers are Hearne High School Class of 1959.

James William Martin

February 19, 1941 - January 20, 2017