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Jesse Martin Obituary
Sgt. Jesse Michael Martin, USMC, a Marine who served his country with distinction, honor and commitment, died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013 in Florence. He was 26.
Jesse grew up in Florence and graduated from Bradshaw High School in 2005. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2008 and received Boot Camp training at Parris Island, S.C. He served one tour in Afghanistan in the 2nd Anglico Unit. He returned home and married Morgan Strong. He was called for a second tour in Afghanistan where he was a forward observer working with the Nepalese Gurkhas, known as the fiercest fighters in the world. He taught them to read maps and call in artillery strikes and the handbook he wrote is still used by them. As a show of respect, the Gurkhas ceremoniously presented Jesse a Kukri, a forward curving knife used in combat.
Following his second tour he and Morgan lived in Camp Lejune, NC and they moved to Florence where he attended UNA. Jesse was an avid jet ski rider and had entered amateur competitions. He loved the outdoors, was a hunter, and a collector of guns.
Jesse was a great storyteller and was animated as he shared his tales. Friends and family knew not to interrupt until the story was told.
The visitation for family and friends will be Friday evening from 5-8 p.m. at Elkins Funeral Home, Florence. The service to celebrate his life will be Saturday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel led by a friend Harrison Lanford. The family requests that close friends and Marine brothers who knew Jesse speak about him during the service. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Sheffield Oakwood Cemetery.
Jesse is survived by his wife Morgan Strong Martin; parents Jeff and Tammy Martin of Florence; parents-in-law Bill and Rachel Strong of Florence; grandparents Linda Bond, Sheffield, Geraldine Martin and Barbara Elliott of Muscle Shoals; aunts and uncles; and his sister-in-law Rita Strong, Harvest, Ala.
Pallbearers will be Harrison Lanford, Cpl. Tyler Elliott USMC, Daniel Hamm, Sgt. Joshua King, USMC, Paul Lehr, Will Corey, SPC. Daniel Martin, US Army, and GySgt. Matthew Jaroslawski, USMC. Honorary bearers will be Cpl. Brian Felber, USMC, and members of the 2nd Anglico Unit, USMC.
Semper Fi
Elkins Funeral Home is honored to assist the family. You are invited to sign the on-line guest register at www.elkinsfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jesse Martin
November 10, 2013
Dear Jeff,Tammy,and family,I am so very sorry for this tragic loss of Jesse,My Heart hurts for you all.My Prayers and thoughts are with you. May you all find comfort in God's love! Lori Chandler*
Kevin Murphy
November 8, 2013
I heard about Jesse's death from my friend Monique Exton . Her daughter and son in la are Marines also .I am sorry for you loss,your family is in my prayers and thoughts. I've never serverd in the military ,but, my father was in the Ohio national guard. He retired a CWO .
John Amos
November 8, 2013
Great Kid, My thoughts go out his family and friends. RIP Jesse
Henno Heitur
November 8, 2013
I never got to meet Jesse in person but we shared the love of a sport and I am so sad today. My deepest condolences.
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Thomas Campbell
Rosemary Sparks
November 8, 2013
I was Jesse's 7th grade Science teacher at Weeden School. I absolutely loved Jesse and I am so sad that he passed away. He was so full of life and had such a wonderful smile. I know you all will miss him so much.I just want you all to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Ms. Sparks
November 8, 2013
Morgan, Rachel, Bill, Rita, and all of Jesse's family, we are so sorry for your loss. He obviously was a fine person and a dedicated Marine for whom we all owe a great deal. He gave too much for others. Bless all of you. St. Joseph friends, Nancy and Larry Belue
Stacey Dean
November 7, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Your entire family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers.
November 7, 2013
I am so sorry about Jesse. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through the next few weeks.
Ally
November 7, 2013
I'll never forget the great times I had with you and Morgan. I hope you have found peace and know how many people love and care for you. Thank you for serving our country and we'll meet again one day my friend.
Kim Rogers-Sutton
November 7, 2013
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! I REMAIN to call myself a PROUD AMERICAN because of men/women like Jesse. Yes, he was family, but he was a SOLDIER to us all! My heart truly is with all of you, God Bless!
Lsia Price
November 7, 2013
As the celebration of life is being planned, the family has asked that anyone wishing to honor Jesse's memory do so with a donation of their choice to the Semper Fi Fund ( https://semperfifund.org/donate/ ) You may include a request to have the acknowledgement sent to his folks here:
Tammy & Jeff Martin
15 County Road 44
Florence, AL 35633
In loving memory of Jesse Martin, 0861 Scout Observer in the 2nd Anglico.
Godspeed Jesse.
Jesse competed on a national level in freestyle and was very, very good.
Lisa Price
November 7, 2013
Jesse added more than he took from this world and was a huge blessing to all that had the pleasure of knowing and loving him. He'll never be too far away though - We will carry him in our hearts and know he's spending glorious days in heaven carving up perfect waves on his jet ski...waiting for us all to arrive so we can share more great times together. Godspeed Jesse – gone way too soon.
Mark Higgins
November 7, 2013
Jesse worked at Jacks with me when he was in high school.He always made everyone smile.Thoughts and Prayers for his family.
Marc & Christy Simmons
November 7, 2013
Even though I did not know Jesse, seeing all the wonderful words that have been posted about him he was a great person no doubt. Steve, Michelle, Laurie...and the rest of this family..you all are in our prayers and we are here if you need us. May God be with each of you & bring you comfort.
To Jesse Martin: Thank you for your service to our country.
Joe Gamble
November 7, 2013
Tammy,Morgan and Jeff I can not even imagine your pain and suffering but pray that God will comfort you all as only He can.Ya'll are in my heart and prayers
Kimberly Pruitt
November 7, 2013
Sweet Morgan, words cannot describe how sorry I am for you, your family, Jesse's family, and all of your friends. My heart is breaking for you all. I pray that God will give you strength during your time of grief and sorrow. As time passes, you will look back on all of the wonderful precious memories and find great comfort in knowing that Jesse is one of God's very special angels.
November 7, 2013
Morgan my heart goes out to you and all of Jesse's family and friends. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for you. The grief will eventually begin to fade but the memories will always be there. God bless you all and rejoice knowing that Heaven now has a new angel.
Connie Turner
November 7, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Jesse was such a sweet little boy and was always by Tyler's side as they were growing up and still by his side as they became Marine brothers! We can never thank him or any of our service men and women enough for the sacrifices that they make for us freedom does not come free!! May God Bless You Jesse! I hope your spirit is finally at peace!
Dr. Brannon Lentz
November 7, 2013
I was blessed to meet Jesse as his speech coach while at UNA. My prayer is that God's love will me made even more evident to his family/friends at this difficult time.
November 7, 2013
Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.
- DayByDay Florence, 256-764-8093
We are a free mutual-help support group of bereaved parents and grandparents. We offer the compassion, sympathy and understanding that only those who have lost a child can offer or understand. Please feel free to call us if you would like more information or someone to talk to. You can also contact us by email at [email protected]
Tony Ricketts
November 7, 2013
You were a good man Jesse Martin. Proud to have had the honor of knowing you and having you as a student.
Uncle Dude & Uncle Shell
November 6, 2013
From the first moment I held you in my arms I knew we had a special bond. I was just an Aunt, but I was Your Uncle Shell. We have laughed, cried and just be content with each others company throughout the years. I loved you as you were my own son. You were my sons best friend all his life. Our lives are so empty now but thinking of all the things we experienced not only with you but in listening to you tell your wonderfully animated stories helps us while grieving for you. We love you and will miss you everyday for the rest of our lives. Until we see you again.
Donna Hendon
November 6, 2013
Jesse grew up with my daughter. He was such a good kid. I remember him riding his bike over to our house and coming over to swim. i am thankful for his service to our country. My heart goes out to his parents. May God give you peace. May god rest his soul and may he fly on wings of eagles.
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