James S. Martin Jr.

07/27/1941 - 06/21/2024

James Shannon Martin Jr. took his last breath on the evening of Friday, June 21, 2024, at his home on Hilltop Drive in Warrior, Alabama, surrounded by his loving wife, his youngest son, and his best friend. He was 82 years old.

Known as "Gem" to those who loved him most, Jim was born at TCI Hospital near Birmingham on July 27, 1941, to Ruth Mae (Arbuckle) and James Shannon Martin. When his father was called to service during World War II, baby Jim and his mother moved to Graysville, where they shared a two-room house with Ruth's mother and younger sisters and brother as Ruth's older brother was called to war with Martin Sr., as well. After returning from the war, Martin Sr. moved his family to tend a farm just outside Hartselle, where Ruth would walk Jim down a long dirt road to catch the bus to school every day. When Jim's sister Sandi was born, the family moved to Birmingham's Southside neighborhood, where he caught the bus to Phillips High School to graduate and complete his ROTC training.

After high school and two semesters at Auburn University, Jim served three years in the U.S. Army, followed by employment in the insurance industry where he became top sales lead. From there he began his telecommunications career, powering central offices with Western Electric followed by South Central Bell, later known as BellSouth. He and Jean worked in the same department for several years before he was offered a sales position with Lorain Products (which eventually merged with Marconi Communications), traveling the Southeastern U.S. He retired at age 62, allowing him to travel with Jean on her work excursions until the COVID-19 pandemic kept them both at home, which was no problem for Jim because he loved being home. "If someone told me I'd have to wear an ankle bracelet to stay on the hilltop from now on, that's fine with me," he said. Throughout his years, Jim also served as a steward at the 11th Ave Methodist Church (before the congregation relocated to Oxmoor Road); he and Jean were also members of the Birmingham area pottery club and the Warrior Civitans and enjoyed being a part of the Phillips High School Lunch Bunch for many years.

Family was always important to Jim, and he is survived by his wife Jean (Hudson); his children Stephanie Hubbard, Steve Martin (Lisa), Stacy Sivley (Thomas Rose), and Ben Rock (Andy); ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; his sister Sandi Brooks (Louie), and numerous nieces and nephews. Bringing so many children together into a new marriage, Jim and Jean worked with his previous partner, Sharon, and her husband, Bean Garner (deceased), to created a successful blended family. They were so successful that Sharon and Bean's young son, Brett (Taylor), joined in all of the family gatherings, calling Jim and Jean "Grandpa and Grandma" just as the grandkids did.

As Jim disliked both funerals and memorial services, the family will be having a private party on his birthday this year to rejoice in his life well lived and the love he shared with everyone. The event is limited family and close friends. Please reach out to the Martins if you would like further information.

The family would also like to express a special thanks to Warrior Medical Associates, UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Aspire Physical Recovery Center in Hoover, and Aveanna Home Health Care & Hospice in Jasper and Gardendale for the exceptional care provided to their "Gem" over the past few years.