James Thomas "Jay" Martin, Jr., 54, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026, surrounded by family following a sudden, spontaneous brain bleed.
Born on April 9, 1971, Jay was a lifelong Virginian who brought light and laughter to those around him. He was preceded in death by his father, James T. "Jimmy" Martin, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Ernest H. Martin, Sr. and Maxine Martin; and maternal grandparents, James L. "Cotton" Roberts and Barbara A. Roberts.
Jay leaves behind a loving family who meant the world to him. He is survived by his two sons: James T. "Trey" Martin III and his fiancée Kyndal M. McMillian; and Charles B. "Charlie" Martin and his fiancée Destiny "Nikki" Altizer. He was a proud grandfather to Lilyann D. "Lily" Martin and Jace L. McMillian. Also surviving are his mother Pauline R. Pollard and stepfather Wayne L. Pollard; his brother Christopher W. "Chris" Martin and sister-in-law Patricia L. "Patti" Martin; as well as a niece, three nephews, three great-nieces, two great-nephews, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
Jay was a 1990 graduate of Hermitage High School in Henrico County, Virginia. In 1994 he founded Jay Martin Painting — a business he built from the ground up with dedication and pride. Even in the face of health challenges later in life, Jay continued running the company with the help of his son Charlie.
Above all else, Jay's heart belonged to his sons Trey and Charlie — they were his pride and joy. Their bond was one built on shared adventures: fishing trips, hunting excursions, river floats, or simply enjoying time together side by side. His love for them was unconditional and unwavering.
His grandchildren brought him immense happiness. Jay shared a special connection with Lily; they delighted in movie outings together that created cherished memories for them both. He also took great pride in cheering on Jace at basketball games.
Jay embraced life with an infectious energy that drew people to him wherever he went. His days were filled with laughter shared among close friends — from live shows and music festivals with Marvin (his "brother from another mother"), to movie nights with Jeanette or road trips with Jamie & Amanda — each friendship held a special place in his heart. Whether gathering at favorite Richmond spots like City Beach in the Fan or simply sharing stories over good food and music, Jay valued every moment spent with those he loved.
A recipient of a donor kidney several years ago, Jay never took that gift for granted — it extended his life and deepened his appreciation for giving back. Though he was unable to donate organs upon his passing, he contributed skin, tissue, and bone donations that may benefit up to 40 individuals — continuing his legacy of generosity.
Jay will be remembered as someone whose magnetic spirit could transform any room into a celebration and bring comfort during difficult times through humor and honesty. His loyalty ran deep; his presence lifted others up; his heart touched countless lives.
A funeral service and celebration of life will be held at Sandston Baptist Church in Sandston, Virginia (details forthcoming). An additional informal gathering will take place at a later date so friends can come together to honor Jay's memory through stories shared in laughter and love.
Though the world feels quieter without him here, Jay's vibrant spirit lives on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him — may we carry forward that light he so freely gave each day of his extraordinary life.
Born on April 9, 1971, Jay was a lifelong Virginian who brought light and laughter to those around him. He was preceded in death by his father, James T. "Jimmy" Martin, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Ernest H. Martin, Sr. and Maxine Martin; and maternal grandparents, James L. "Cotton" Roberts and Barbara A. Roberts.
Jay leaves behind a loving family who meant the world to him. He is survived by his two sons: James T. "Trey" Martin III and his fiancée Kyndal M. McMillian; and Charles B. "Charlie" Martin and his fiancée Destiny "Nikki" Altizer. He was a proud grandfather to Lilyann D. "Lily" Martin and Jace L. McMillian. Also surviving are his mother Pauline R. Pollard and stepfather Wayne L. Pollard; his brother Christopher W. "Chris" Martin and sister-in-law Patricia L. "Patti" Martin; as well as a niece, three nephews, three great-nieces, two great-nephews, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
Jay was a 1990 graduate of Hermitage High School in Henrico County, Virginia. In 1994 he founded Jay Martin Painting — a business he built from the ground up with dedication and pride. Even in the face of health challenges later in life, Jay continued running the company with the help of his son Charlie.
Above all else, Jay's heart belonged to his sons Trey and Charlie — they were his pride and joy. Their bond was one built on shared adventures: fishing trips, hunting excursions, river floats, or simply enjoying time together side by side. His love for them was unconditional and unwavering.
His grandchildren brought him immense happiness. Jay shared a special connection with Lily; they delighted in movie outings together that created cherished memories for them both. He also took great pride in cheering on Jace at basketball games.
Jay embraced life with an infectious energy that drew people to him wherever he went. His days were filled with laughter shared among close friends — from live shows and music festivals with Marvin (his "brother from another mother"), to movie nights with Jeanette or road trips with Jamie & Amanda — each friendship held a special place in his heart. Whether gathering at favorite Richmond spots like City Beach in the Fan or simply sharing stories over good food and music, Jay valued every moment spent with those he loved.
A recipient of a donor kidney several years ago, Jay never took that gift for granted — it extended his life and deepened his appreciation for giving back. Though he was unable to donate organs upon his passing, he contributed skin, tissue, and bone donations that may benefit up to 40 individuals — continuing his legacy of generosity.
Jay will be remembered as someone whose magnetic spirit could transform any room into a celebration and bring comfort during difficult times through humor and honesty. His loyalty ran deep; his presence lifted others up; his heart touched countless lives.
A funeral service and celebration of life will be held at Sandston Baptist Church in Sandston, Virginia (details forthcoming). An additional informal gathering will take place at a later date so friends can come together to honor Jay's memory through stories shared in laughter and love.
Though the world feels quieter without him here, Jay's vibrant spirit lives on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him — may we carry forward that light he so freely gave each day of his extraordinary life.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jay Martin, please visit our flower store.
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