Joshua James Martin

It is with heavy hearts that the Martin family shares the unexpected passing of their son, Joshua James Martin, 36, of Manhattan, New York.
Joshua was born Nov. 8, 1988 to Larry and Patricia Martin of Battle Creek. Joshua called his dad his hero because he always was there for him, with an answer to all of life's questions. They were always Face timing to figure out how to build something or just to talk about who was winning the big game. Joshua called his mother, "the cookbook" because he was always calling, asking how to make things like her special taco casserole or salad in a jar.
Joshua was baptized April 7, 2000, at the age of 12, at Galilee Baptist Church of Kalamazoo. As a young boy, Joshua was smart and curious and loved life. He loved to build, from legos to wondering what makes roller coasters work. Joshua made sure his family and friends were all riding them, and no backing out! Joshua was not scared of a thrill (even if his family was).
Joshua attended Battle Creek Public Schools, where he was an honor student, on the honor roll every marking period, and was a male scholar under the leadership of the late Dr. William Files Jr. Joshua had a love for sports. He tried football first, but didn't like being "tossed around like a rag doll." But it didn't take Joshua long to find what his real passion, and that was swimming. He was on the swim team for six years; relay was his favorite. The coach, Mr. Chad Wagner, helped him to reach his full potential. Joshua also took part in the winter plunge in the icy water of Goguac Lake.
During his high school years, Joshua was also on the winter carnival homecoming court at Battle Creek Central, the Junior Commissioner Board, and in his spare time on holidays and weekends, he volunteered at Kingman Museum. The children loved Joshua, and Joshua loved what he did at the museum.
After high school, Joshua left Battle Creek and went to New York City, where he worked small jobs like Real Real. After running low on funds, Joshua decided to enlist in the United States Army, 82D Airborne Division. He did two tours of duty in Iraq. Joshua said jumping out of planes made him feel like he was on top of the world.
After serving his country, Joshua returned to New York and enrolled in F.I.T. (Fashion Institute of Technology), where he received a bachelor's degree in International Marketing of Sales. After graduation, Joshua went to work for Brooks Brothers, and then Coach Enterprise. He even had a fashion blog with his friend Jorge Adrian that was called, "Style Alternative."
Joshua loved traveling to different countries, such as Greece, Italy, and France, and trying different foods and experiencing the different cultures and fashion. In his short-lived life, he got the chance to see much of this world through his hazel eyes.
Joshua is survived by his parents Larry and Patricia Martin; sister Brandi S. Coleman, brother Larry Martin Jr., grandmother Alberta Glass, and special grandfather Eddie "Pops" Cowans, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins, all of Battle Creek. He is also survived by his great-grandmother Ida Newbill of Audora, Ark.
Joshua was preceded in death by his brother Larry Miller of Detroit; grandfathers Elisah Glass Sr. and Bruce Brown, grandmother Fayetta Cowans, aunt Helen Cooper, and uncle Howard James Moore Jr., all of Battle Creek.
Cremation has already taken place at First Avenue Funeral Home of New York. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 at Second Missionary Baptist Church at 485. N. Washington Ave. in Battle Creek. The Family Hour will be held at 11:30 a.m., followed by the service at Noon with Rev. William J. Wyne sharing the eulogy. A repast dinner will be held at the church, following the memorial service.
Donations can be made in memory of Joshua to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.