Jay E. Martin Obituary

I miss you. Life has not been the same since you've been gone.

This week changed my life. I will always miss you.

It doesn't get easier. You just learn to live missing the best person you ever had in your life

Jay you are always with us. Thank you friends and family for your posts. They make a difference. Mr. Charlie Gillis I will find and volunteer some time at Fisher House as your post touched me in such a calming way. Thank you for making that donation and I look forward to volunteering at the Fisher house one day this quarter. ESRG then Fisher House.

I miss our Sunday drives while you played The Temptations ♥ Thank you for the beautiful memories you gave me♥

I will forever love you❤ I miss you baby❤

Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let you and your family and friends know that we have made a small donation to the Fisher House Foundation in the name of Jay E. Martin US Army Staff Sergeant.

We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals across the American youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

We will never forget you. Even after all these years.

Guide Ivan and let him know how much we love him and miss him another young life was taken too soon. I miss you Jay and think of you on a daily basis. I can't wait until we meet again. Until I can hug you tightly and never let you go.

Dear Jay, your bravery and love for your family, comrades, and country will never be forgotten

Howdy Sarge, I know it's late was thinking about the past and you came to mine. Happens quite often you come it mine. Just wanted to check in and let you know you are not forgotten. Miss you.

Forever thinking of you! I miss you soooooo much!

Not one day goes by that I don't think of you. I was very blessed to have you by my side. I love you!

Years pass and I still miss you. I wish I could have had more time by your side. I love you!

I miss you my SON

Sean Donahue, reading your anecdotes about Jay's life brings so many great memories. I have never met someone like Jay. Someone as proud as he was to serve our country and help others. Thank you Sean for sharing your stories.

I added two more pics of a letter sent to us, SGT Martin, SGT Payne and I. In 2005 it was hard for families of Vets to have help for funerals. A Ms. Valdez came to us and asked if we could render honors for her Father in Chatsworth, Ca. SGT Martin and I both immediately agreed, saying he is our Brother-in -Arms, it would be an honor for us to help you. She was so relieved to have someone help. She had told no one was available to help from the local Honor Guard, they sadly were not going to be available for her Father's service. We got one more, SGT Payne volunteered to help. We all practiced late at night to make things right for the family. You could really feel for the family, we all felt it and were glad we could be there. His son a big bear of a man gave us big ole bear hugs after the service. He was very in tears of sadness and yet happiness that his Father received his deserved recognition for his service. He was very happy and so were SGT Martin, SGT Payne and I. The Valdez Family were exceptional thankful and we were so happy to be able to be there for them. SGT Martin really believed in Honor and making a difference in the World and he lived that way.

Still remember our runs with future Soldiers. The Yosemite Rd hill run and one run that left from our station on Cochran Ave back to Royal Ave. our favorite being up the small mountain behind Madera and Los Angeles Ave. I would be in the lead with full knowledge that you would pass me in the last one or two hundred meters to see that tremendous view of Simi Valley. You truly loved what you were doing! Others could see it and know, that there are people, that really live in an honorable way!

It has been a while since I had a dream that felt so real. We were in a car and you were by my side holding my hand. I kept telling you with tears in my eyes that "I don't want to be away from you ever again". With your sweet and calm words you said "you won't youi'll just come to France with me". I don't know if this dream was a reminder that no matter how many years pass by you'll always be by my side. I love you Jay and miss you sooooo much.

Happy Birthday to the best young man in heaven. We still miss you so much. I Love You and your birthday is in my heart.

I miss you so much. RIP my son Dad

I still remember the phone call from you when you got off recruiting Duty and we're going back to your deployment unit and continue on being careful because you'd been on recruiting Duty for 3 years I shouldn't have had to caution you because you were the model Soldier. I definitely miss you man

Birthdays have not been the same since you have been gone. You were the most amazing boyfriend, not only on my bday but always. However, every year on my birthday you made sure I felt like a Queen. You spoiled me with love and attention. Thank you for the great memories. I will forever love you!

Your always in our hearts Jay. Heavy today my friend.

Today a co-workers boyfriend came in his Navy Uniform to physically deliver flowers. It reminded me of the numerous times you went to my job to give me flowers. I miss you even after so many years. I love you!

You made every Valentine's amazing, which is why I can smile even if you are not here. You left me great memories. I miss you papa!

Many times it feels like it was only a few months ago that I lost you. I am not sure when this suppose to get easier. I miss your voice, your hugs, your kisses, I miss all you.

Wishing I was celebrating the holidays by your side.

I have so many questions I wish I can ask you. I miss having deep conversations with you. I miss picking at your brain and hearing your point of view. :-(

Every girls dream is to find someone that loves them unconditionally. I had that until God decided he needed you.

Veteran's day is hard. I remember going to parades with you. I remember how proud you were to wear your uniform. I always remember you and wish you were still here.

I love you!

I miss you immensely. I heard Whitney Houston "I will always Love you". Without a doubt I will always you. Thank you for the most amazing memories of my life.

I cannot believe it's been almost 8 years. Feels like yesterday I walked into the recruitment center in 2004

Had to add a picture from basic. Of course Jay held the flag. He's always in our hearts.

I think of you on a daily basis.

Sometimes I sit and wonder what your thoughts would be on certain events happening world wide. I miss having deep conversations with you, minus the political ones, hahaha.

It is the smallest things that make me think of you, but were so significant.

My son has a camouflage backpack and lunch box. He chose it all on his own. It is the small things that remind me of you and let me know that you are still with me.

I love you and miss you tremendously!

I and Penny are here a in Colorado,Springs visiting with your Aunt Lynn and Uncle Jeff. I miss you so much. Never got a chance to do all the things that I hoped. Met with Robert and Lenora Wichman,their son Grant was with the 3-61st too.It's so hard to move on. No parent should have to bury their child.I will visit the with your new commander, LTC Seagreaves before I leave. Met with Aaron Greene, she gave her daughter Paige, Alex's name as a middle name and her she named Jay for a middle name. I was soo honored, you live on, not that you will ever die in my heart.The TAPS foundation, started by Bonnie Carroll and that angel, Darci Sims, saved my life. Rest in peace Jay, I, love you. Dad, one at a time. One day at a time. Love you.

Dear son I meet Aaorn Greene, she was leaving the Army and She named her son, Jay as a middle name I was so honored Think of you all the time. Love you. Emy I don't have your number I tried to call you but it was the wrong number. Jay's dad

Every year that goes by it feels like I am counting down for something. It is almost 8 years that you've been gone. It's been almost 9 years since I last heard your voice. I miss your smile! I miss our debates! I miss all of you!

I am the way the truth and the life
25 "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Why is this Friday called "Good"? Because it gives us all HOPE, Hope one day we shall all see our friends and family again.
You can never be more like Christ than when you give your life for a friend.
God Bless Jay Martin my friend. I look forward to seeing you as is promised.
But you see people, it's only Friday... It's Friday... But Sunday's a Coming: https://youtu.be/YByT6wfdhJs
Bless all you who serve have served and friends of my friend.
E. Duncan

This morning I woked up thinking of all the family members i've lost. Suddenly you came to my mind. I didnt now this page existed until I searched for you online to show my sisters mother in law a picture and found this. I also texted mami emy to tell her. I began to talk to my sisters mother in law aboaut the great times we all had together. My grandmother often remebers you also. My mother just passed away a few month ago, on September 30th to be exact. I hope you guys re-unite and watch over us.

You were the best that ever happened to me. I miss you daily.

I am thankful for all of the beautiful memories you left me. Thankful for the Thanksgivings I was able to spend with you. You are always in my mind <3

I know another day is for you in May but I wanted to say a thank you to those in Simi Valley, Ca. SGT Martin and I were recruiters there 2002-2005. After both wars began he and I had never deployed just yet. We wore our uniforms everyday in our time there. Often times we ate together and again and again people paid for our lunch. We always said we haven't deployed or done anything yet. We had some embarrassment really in accepting the kindness. People refused to not pay for our food. We actually stopped going to one restaurant because every meal would be free. We really appreciated and felt honored. I look back now and am very happy that people did that for us. I'm especially happy cause you never really know if you will be able to thank someone later. Thank you all back in Simi Valley and know that you really did a beautiful thing. It will not be forgotten by me and I know SGT Martin was thankful too.

Ssg Martin I'm sitting here next to my amazing fiance Melanie who I would have loved to introduce you to she is amazing woman and is only support I could ever want for my post traumatic stress disorder she calms me down with just the look in her eyes or was just to touch. She is the most amazing woman and I know you have that in Emy. I know she misses you very much my friend hell we all miss you so very much I would give anything to have you back. I think about you everyday and I would give anything to have you back seriously and I still remember that last conversation we had on the phone before you went out with your deployment unit about you coming out to me and we go out for a beer I'm going to save up where you're at and we're going to share that beer I promised you we would and I will crack open that beer for you and one for me I'm trying to hold myself together right now just thinking about that I miss you.. This is Melanie, his soon to be wife he break down in tears every time he mentions your name I see it every time he says your name or anything about you he cries in my shoulder on my shoulder and just let it all out let it out and no he thinks about you too.J its me again James she's absolutely right I break down every time I think about you because you made such a positive difference in my life you did so much for me. hell I miss you sergeant Donahue and I can't remember the name of the other guys from the recruiting station when we were thereagain I can't thank you enough this goes out to your dad.. sir you raised one hell of a son you should be so very proud of him and the lives he touched and the people that look up damn because the person that he wassir I have to thank you for raising him right and raising such an amazing person

I miss you so much. After so many years I have accepted that you will never come back. However, I miss you so much on a daily basis. The simple act of talking to you and hearing your voice. I love you more than words can ever express.

If I could be granted one wish today. I would wish to spend one entire day with you. I miss you!

There are times when I wonder what you would look like by now. I wonder about your opinion on certain things. I wonder what our life would have been like. You were taken to soon. I miss you!!!

Staff Sergeant I miss you this day man I really appreciate everything you did for me. Its been 7 years and I still can't believe you're gone.every anniversary of that date my fiance and very soon to be wife has to comfort me because I still break down on that date.

hours, days, months, and years and somehow I have hope that I will see you again. It almost feels like I am counting down until we reunite again. I snap out of it and realize I am counting the time you have been gone :-( .. visiting you was surreal. It was just like in my dreams. You and I near the pond. I didn't want to leave. I didn't want to say goodbye, but I had to. I know you follow me in spirit, but there is nothing like being there with you. Spending time with you. I love you and that will never change.

I miss the simplest things, like picking up the phone to talk to you for hours. I miss sharing my triumphs, the obstacles I've encountered, talking to you about my day, etc. Not one day goes by that I don't think of you. I love you baby.

Went by cousin Lawrence's He is almost late 80ties. Your obituary was on his family wall of pictures. How nice to see that and the comments people are making here.Just left Grandmas grave today on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

I was in Fort Carson for the TAPS SEMINAR to get stronger. I miss you so much that it is hard to let go. You are truly remembered by many. I love you soo much. Dad

Todeay, it's been 7 years. I never met you but read of your sacrifice and how you let another take your leave time so he could see his baby. You did truly lay down your life for another. What an example you are to all of us. I'll never forget you.

Hey Sarge just checking in, not a day goes by that I'm thankful for my military experience. It's because of you i got that chance. I would really like to visit you. If someone could send me the on where i could see this hero again i would be so thankful. I remember the good times we had, and...... man he took you to soon. Gone but never forgotten. Give them hell sarge.

[email protected]

I cannot believe it has been 7 years. You were gone to soon. You left us great memories that we hold dearly in our hearts. Nonetheless, we always miss you and think of you on a daily. I continue loving you and wishing you were still here. Until we meet again my hero ..

Seven years is hard to believe. Still remember though I did not know until 02 June of that year. I just thought you were too busy to email at the time. I still remember the good times though and the simple things just heading out to lunch at work. It is really those times in life that are among the best to be with friends. I am glad to have had the simple fun times of those years. Thanks to you and I hope all your friends and family really know, we all still remember.

Saturday I visited again. Garrison Forest is a nice resting place. I also visited with Kendall Johnson Bay and Matthew Synder. You all died too young. Tuesday the 29 will be 7 years. Your Dad is in Colorado now. Not a day goes by we don't miss you. I Love you.

Went to your gravesite on Wednesday and the gates were closed at 4:45. Since I always go on the holidays and weekends didnt know the closing time. I hated that I missed a plan day to visit you, and as the weather continues to get warmer, I will visit more often like I normally do. You are missed so much.

Not one day goes by that I do not think of you. I love you tremendously and it should get easier but it only gets harder. You were the one I was suppose to spend the rest of my life with, have children with, and grow old with. Now it is only a dream and it makes it that much harder to let go because you were close to perfection. I miss you my love.

Time goes so fast and you live in our hearts always. You are getting older and I am getting old. We Love you.

Jay. Not a day goes by without me thinking about what an inspiration and a true soldier. I remember when I called you from Ft Hood and you were so excited about going to your deployment unit

Sometimes I wish you were here so I can share my accomplishments with you. I love you and miss you daily!

Miss you cousin. I'm following in your footsteps and enlisting. Hope to see you soon.

Miss you cousin. I'm going to make you proud.

It is a great feeling to see what a powerful and positive affect you had on those that knew you and still know you. Your really never far from our thoughts. The thoughts of your friends and your Emy. Last night as Taps played. I stood in respectful attention for you my friend. To this day I still recall you and your brothers that fell with you and others that served with your sense of duty and honor. It is good to see Noah's words all these years later you are still in his thoughts too.

"I miss you when something good happens because you're the one I want to share it with. I miss you when something is troubling me, because you're the one that understands me so well. I miss you when I laugh and cry, because I know that you are the one that made my laughter grow and my tears disappear. I miss you all the time, but I miss you the most when I lay awake at night, and think of all the wonderful times that we spent with each other for those were some of the best and most memorable times of my life"

I continue missing you!

You left me great support system. Thank you for making it easier by having your family around me always supporting me. It eases the pain a little. But nothing will ever erase this immense pain from my heart. I miss you tremendously. You left too soon.

I love you papa!

Not a days goes by that I don't see or think about you. Watch over Shai and guide her the right way.

Happy 4th SGT. Martin, I will never forget you. It was because of you I enlisted. God bless

Some days are easier than others but nothing changes how much I miss you. :'( ... I see your pictures and I still ache. I hear certain songs and I still hurt. I see certain things that you loved and I cant help but miss you so dearly. No one truly understands but it's ok. I know you do and continue to keep me strong. I love you more than words can truly express and miss you infinity.

Never gone...Never forgotten!! The love of your family & friends keeps you "Ever Present". And I say to them ..Hold on to GOD,he will see you through. He promised ! Charlene Gray(Bryant's mom)Balto.,Md.

I remember you daily. Not one day goes by that I wish I can hold you one more time. You were like no other. Unique and humble. I miss your personality.
Every innovation that comes out I think of you and wonder what you would think of it. I miss our political talks. I miss your point of view. I miss so much of you.

Until we meet again my love. You will forever live in my heart.

I never had the privilege of meeting Jay Martin but I read his story. His story traveled way out here to Oregon. his story still inspires me. I read how he gave up leave so that another man might be home for his wife's birth? (I might have the details wrong)
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13)
6 years later and Your son is still inspiring people... perfect strangers... lives touched and inspired. Anyway, thank you for raising such a fine young man. I'll never forget him.

Today is the start of another year. Anniversary days, birthdays, and holidays are the hardest. Im working on understanding your love for our country. We miss you so much.

I hope you know your son, Jay was a very good person! He did more in his short time that meant something then many do in a long 70 plus years. He really believed in what he was doing. He also loved what he was doing. He also loved his Dad! I worked with him back in Simi Valley, recruiting three years together. My daughter still has a care bear he gave her. We still have it to this day safely stored. He loved taking new soldiers running and hiking. He made the most out of everyday always with a smile.

I am here in Fort Carson for the TAPS seminar to help me heal.Seeing the pain of other parent hurt, anger and emotional loss is unbelievable. Grown men and women hearts and souls just ripped apart, sherded into nothing, just walking and breathing shelves of uncontrolably emotions. It's a sad sight, especially when U are a part of it. U have to tear it down before U can rebuild. I don't know what is worst, tearing down and trying to bury it or making that first scared step to leave it behind and rebuild.I guess each in his or her own time frame. One step, one step at a time. I love U my son and miss U so very, very much. Dad.

I have been thinking about you a lot lately, Jess and I talk about you every time we see each other. So many people love and miss you, it doesn't matter how much time passes that will never change. Always in our hearts.

Your birthday is always special and we still miss you so much. I worked on Friday, but visited your grave on Saturday. I love sitting and just talking to you. It was a hard decision Arlington or Owing Mills Vetaran Cemetary. I get more visits with you here. You are always in my heart. Love you.

From Earth to Heaven. I am thinking of you today and always... I Love You <3

Valentine's had a meaning when you were here. I love you <3

I miss you :(

I finally got some help to deal with UR death. UR Aunt & I went to Philly the weekend togeather to the TAPS program. It's a hell of a program, Darci Sims & TAPS probaly saved my life. When U were killed it ripped my heart & soul out of me. I love & miss U soo much my Son. One day, one day at a time. Love U

I know you are with me with every step I take. Your words continue to make me strong. I feel like I can conquer the world because I feel you by my side. I miss you every day but I know you will forever be with me. I love you! Even though you are not physically around I know you will forever protect me.

This weekend we joined other military families in Philadelphia that suffered losses too. Tragedy assistance program for survivors is a great program. Your time and dedication is appreciated. We miss you much.

Jay.. Not a day goes by when I don't think of you bro.. I wish you were around to meet my fiance. I tell her about you all the time. I am honored that I got you as one of my recruiters. The sense of humor you had, you challenging me and the others mentally, and your genuine thirst to make us better soldiers!!!! Thank you for everything you did. I cannot believe this April marks six whole years since you have been gone. That day is always difficult for me.

Not a day passes that I don't think of you. The holidays are still hard. This one especially as Shai was home and we all were together except for you. I miss you so much. You will always be my angel.

I think of you every day. I love you soooooo much and that will never change. I miss you tremendously! I miss your hugs, kisses, goofiness. I miss everything about you.

I took my son to an airshow this past weekend & everything reminded me of you. If my son saw all of your toy airplanes & hot wheels he would feel like he was in Disneyland. Every hot wheel I buy him I'm reminded of you. I love it. I just pray he turns out to be a great gentleman like you <3

You will always be in our hearts Jay. We miss you and will always honor you.

My family and I talk about you all the time, you are greatly missed.

I remember you got into a disagreement with some protestors at the beach one Memorial Day weekend. You were very passionate about being a soldier and what you felt you were fighting for. I miss you!

You left me great people that constantly remind me how amazing you were. I am thankful for them and even more thankful that I was once blessed with all your love. My love for you is infinite, nothing changes. I love you and that will never change. I miss you!

Jay you will always live in our hearts. Time goes by, but you are not forgotten and your military brothers still say wonderful things about you. We love you so much and always will. You loved your job and loved your country. Much respect to you for letting the other soldier go home to see his child born when you were scheduled to come home. The child should be about 5 now. Miss you much.

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Jay E. Martin:
Always remembering Jay. "Some gave all."

Wishing I can hear you, see you, touch you, hold you, kiss you for at least 5 minutes once again. I never knew life can be so difficult without you. It's a challenge and I sometimes feel alone in this pain. It feels like it was only a few days ago that I last seen you, can't believe it will be 4 years that we last messaged. I wish my son one day can grow up to be like you. I love you so much, my love for you will never change.

Jay. Cannot believe it has been five years. My fiance would have loved to have met you as she hears so much about you. I am getting the soldier's cross tattooed on my calf in your memory brother, as you were not only my recruiter, you were my friend, mentor and one HELL of a soldier.. I remember you and all the other guys in the recruiting station!! It was Sgt Payne that came to my door and notified me about what happened to you.. This ol' bear of a soldier known for being hard around the edges broke down hard brother.. You are missed! What I wouldn't give for one more day of us challenging each other's intellect, just hanging out, or just about anything!! My fiance is going to make survival bracelets in black, with your info on a black metal plate that you would see on any memorial bracelet for military, and we will provide them for any of your family that wants them.. YOU would really like my fiance Jay... She loves me unconditionally, through my injuries, my ugly scars, my PTSD, and I know you are here with us.. Hell, the other day I was talkin about you with her, and I SWORE I could feel your hand on my shoulder the way you used to come up behind and grab my shoulder when I was there for hometown recruiting before I reported to my duty station.

Jay, I miss you so much. You are always in my heart. March 1st was hard, but your birhtday is always with us. I see your pictures everyday. I wish blessing to you fellow military family. March is always a special month for your bday, your dads, and anniversary with Uncle James. We love you.