John Paul Martin

Happy birthday JP

Our family had the pleasure of meeting John when my mother-in-law purchased the property next to his in Pioneer. John was the first person to stop by and welcome us to the neighborhood and offered his assistance. When we would arrive for a weekend stay, we looked forward to seeing John sitting in the garage or driveway with a ready wave. One afternoon last year, my husband and I walked over to see John and he was looking rather weak but he insisted that we sit and visit with him even though...

I offer my deepest condolence to all that continue to love and admire him. He truly lived the type of life I believe he chose to, he loved his family and enjoyed his many interests to the fullest. A life well lived and appreciated. I too enjoyed his storytelling, loved the smell of his pipe, and treasured the relationship he and my parents shared. May he rest in peace.

Known to our family as Paul, my Uncle Paul was quite a man. He was my dads older brother and they both shared many of the same traits. Since my dads passing, I have enjoyed listening to the new stories I had never heard of childhood and adulthood antics that they shared. Many probably have heard about the Feather River fishing trips and all the rattle snakes they would run into. He helped my dad shave for the first time and the last (I was lucky to be there for my dads final shave).

First and foremost John Martin was one of the great gentlemen I have had the honor to have known in my life. A more pleasant and congenial man you could never hope to meet. Whenever he and Chiyoko would stop by my shop I was always happy to stop doing whatever it was I was doing and visit. He was a great lover of all mechanical things and I gained a much greater understanding and appreciation of gasoline powered engines as a result. Something I had never paid much attention to before. What an...

John, how many times you and I discussed current affairs of national and international importance in depth and so long. We argued sometimes, but we often found ourselves in close wave length each other. You have been a most intelligent friend. I miss you so much. Rest in peace. Sayonara.

We have been in Amador County for forty-four years, most of which John has been a part of our lives. He started as a neighbor on the creek road, always greeting us with a smile, old time clichés, and stories that held even our four young children spellbound. He had a thirst for historical events, prospecting, photography, reading (Mark Twain being at the top of his favorite list), and sharing moments with friends and family. His positive approach to life was contagious; his sense of humor...

John Martin is one of those rare people you meet in your life and will always remember. His kindness, intelligence, humor and wit, his creativity, his writings, his story telling , his beautiful pictures, his hospitality, his zest for life and his love for he dearest beloved wife Chiyoko, always made me so happy to be around him. I only wish I could have been around more. John was a genuine compassionate human being. Rest In Peace Friend, you will be missed.
Judie Moore, Antioch California