James E. Martin

James (Jim ) E. Martin, 90 of Hampstead, MD passed away Sunday, December 07, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.
Born in Hampstead, MD, he was the son of the late Russell and Mary (Rill) Martin. He was pre deceased by his beloved wife Beatrice "Vonnie" DeVeas Martin in 2014 after sharing 51 years in marriage, as well as their son Keith J. Martin who passed in 2004.
Jim served in the United Air Force Reserves in his younger years. He worked as a Supervisor for Black & Decker in Hampstead for 37 years before his retirement. He devoted the rest of his life to his first love of hog and crop farming.
He was known to most as Pop, Mr. Jim or the pig farmer on Marshall Mill Rd. Jim spent his life sharing his knowledge and passion for pigs with anyone who would listen. He most enjoyed helping the young 4-H /FFA kids with their Swine Projects. He was at his proudest watching his Granddaughter Jamie and her 2 sons Josh and Justin in the show ring. Jim was a fierce competitor in the swine show ring and his favorite times were with his family and fair friends at The Maryland State Fair each year where he showed his pigs for almost 80 years of his life.
Jim is survived by his daughter Kelly (Martin) Openshaw and her husband James Openshaw of Hampstead; a granddaughter Jamie N. Openshaw and her sons, his great grandsons Joshua and Justin Barnes; grandchildren and great grandchildren of the heart Samantha (Little) and her husband Charlie Nickoles and their son Colt; Laura (Wheeler) and her husband Aaron Baer and their son Bentley; and Brandon Troy and his wife Katie and their sons Myron and Clarence. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, numerous nieces, nephews and so many wonderful friends. He will be missed and remembered as a wonderful family man and one of the best darn pig men to ever live.
A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.