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James Martin Obituary
Jim met his wife Loretta through mutual family connections in La Grange, Illinois. They married in 1967 and started a family after moving to Wisconsin.
Jim began his professional career at United Air Lines in 1959, working as a Line Maintenance Clerk at O'Hare Maintenance until 1967. He served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965 in El Paso, Texas. After earning his degree in Geography from Northern Illinois University in 1969 he joined the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, initially as a planning analyst in the highway department. In 1978, his keen interest in airplanes led him to the Bureau of Aeronautics, where he worked on aircraft registration, weather system installations, and later monitored tall structures in Wisconsin airspace to protect aviation safety.
Flying was a passion Jim pursued from an early age, earning his pilot's license at 19. He was a long-time member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), where he gave his time to inspire young people to explore careers in science, engineering, and aviation. Following his retirement, Jim continued his work with EAA as a carpenter, helping maintain and renovate buildings at Oshkosh and co-chairing hands-on workshops during AirVenture for over 15 years. He taught classes on sheet metal, making ribs and other parts for homebuilt aircraft as a volunteer during the annual AirVenture fly-ins for an impressive 36 years.
In addition to his aviation endeavors, Jim was an accomplished woodworker with a vast collection of tools. He was always ready to lend a hand, offering ideas for small repairs, creating beautiful heirlooms, or taking on full-scale remodeling projects.
A charter member of McFarland United Church of Christ and a past Master and long-time member of Doric Lodge #356 F & A.M. of Wisconsin, Jim was deeply committed to his community and faith.
Jim is survived by his wife Loretta, daughter Linda, son-in-law Rame Chitturi, grandson Hari, sister-in-law René Kromray, nieces Norene and Kristin, and lifelong friend Bill Catlin. He was preceded in death by his parents Kile and Esther Martin, brother John, grandson David, and brother-in-law Eugene Kromray.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at McFarland United Church of Christ, 5710 Anthony Street, McFarland, WI. A second visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 9, from 9:00-10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. A light lunch will be served afterward in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the EAA Young Eagles program or to McFarland United Church of Christ.
Jim's legacy of service, kindness, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Martin
Rice Sumner Wagner
July 9, 2025
Jim was my oldest first cousin, pointing out the constellations and always looking toward the sky. I am so fortunate to have visited with him this past year! Sending love to the family from the Doty side...
Frank Smidler
July 9, 2025
My condolences to the family. In the 11 years until 2022 I was a member of EAA chapter 93 and always appreciated Jim´s welcoming smile and enthusiasm for aviation and Young Eagles. Rest in peace Jim
Dick and Annie Rietz
June 22, 2025
Annie and I met Jim in 2002 as we parked our motorhome in a space next to a small silver Airstream trailer in the EAA volunteer campground for the first time. The Airstream resident had helped guide me into the space and introduced himself and welcomed us to Audrey´s Park.
That day was the beginning of my great respect and friendship with Jim., For the next 14 summers we spent 3 months together daily as a volunteer team for EAA South Maintenance.
Jim led...and I followed....he was a true craftsman in all that he did....he would not cut corners... everything we did needed to be done to high EAA standards...and to his satisfaction. We were never at a loss for tools....he had at least one of everything .... some of unique design and origin....several inherited from "Uncle Roy"!
Beyond his fondness for EAA and aviation in general he loved the people. Many times I wondered if he knew them all....he made time to speak to everyone.
Over the many summers together, we found that we were "like minded" about most things and both enjoyed our friendship and fondness for one another.
I miss him and cherish my memories of summers with him and winter calls to "catch up".
Annie and I send our condolences to Loretta, Linda, Rami and Hari.
Nancy Lawrence Gehlbach
June 12, 2025
I am so sorry to hear this. "Jimmy" was our childhood friend who lived across the street when his dad managed the Harvester Farm. After he moved away, he would stop to see my mom when he was in town, and he liked to tell people he had been to see his Cub Scout den mother. I talked to him recently, and it seemed he remembered everything about our childhood. A very special guy, and a real loss for those of us who grew up together and remained friends.
Erica Gottschalk
May 1, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. James was a real character with a gift of gab. So glad you and Rame were with him at the end. Love to you all
Kurt Shipman
May 1, 2025
Jim was a pretty jolly, happy and curious fellow. I wish his family the best during this difficult time and may he remembered in good spirits.
Bill Catlin
May 1, 2025
Jim was my best friend for 70 years. We spent a few months in 1959 touring the western United States and living in his 1952 Chevy. I'll always remember the times we spent together solving the problems of the world, our times at Oshkosh at the fly-in, and our mutual love of aviation. My condolences to Loretta, Linda, Rami, and Hari.
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