James Edwin Martin Jr.

James E. Martin Jr., best known as Jim, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, at the age of 79, at Scotland Manor in Scotland Neck, NC. Born on December 28, 1945, in Durham County, Jim enjoyed a simple life.

Jim grew up in Tillery where he operated a service station that was connected to his dad's store. He was a man of many interests and talents. From a young age, Jim developed a fascination with collecting coins, a hobby that would grow alongside his love for artifacts. He spent countless hours on the farm, searching for Indian artifacts, amassing an impressive collection of arrowheads over the years.

A true outdoorsman, Jim found joy in fishing and hunting, activities that allowed him to connect with nature and find peace in its beauty. His appreciation for the outdoors extended to his collection of old rifles, which he cherished deeply.

Jim possessed a natural musical talent, able to play the piano by ear after just listening to a song. This gift brought him much joy and amazed his friends. He enjoyed cooking on the grill, where he was known for cooking delicious pork chops to snack on while his BBQ chicken was cooking. His love for food was evident in his enjoyment of dining out at various restaurants from town to town, always ordering an extra meal to take home to enjoy later.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Edwin Martin Sr. and Ella Parks Martin. He is survived by many special friends that spent many hours visiting with Jim in his later years when he lived in assisted living.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery. Rev. Don Glendenning will be officiating the service.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service ~ Letchworth Chapel will be handling the arrangements for the Martin family.