James Martin

1968 - 2021

James Edward Martin was born Feb. 26, 1968, in Edmonds, Washington. He graduated from Edmonds High School in 1986 and went on to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oakland, California. He returned from that full-time calling where he would continue being a missionary throughout his life.
After his mission he worked for Food Giant in Seattle, Washington, in the produce department. It was there that he met his beloved wife, Sheena Pepiot. James and Sheena were married in a civil ceremony in Edmonds, Washington, on July 19, 1991. Always up for an adventure the couple decided to move to Barrow, Alaska, on Dec. 31, 1992. There, James found his career in law enforcement for the North Slope Borough Corrections Department alongside his longtime friend, John Tidwell.
During this time James also baptized his wife and was sealed for time and all eternity to his spouse in the Seattle Temple on March 31, 1995, just after the Tidwell family, with most of the Barrow branch in attendance. In the interest of starting a family, James moved with his wife to Fairbanks, Alaska, in June 1999. He started working for the Fairbanks Correctional Center/State of Alaska and would later be promoted to a sergeant, serving his community in that capacity for many years. James made a positive impact on his coworkers and inmates during his 27 years of service. Many co-workers and inmates considered him a friend and father figure in their lives.
James moved his family to Salcha in March 2005. Salcha was home. He loved the community and was grateful to raise his family bordering the Tidwell's property where his children flourished. During this time he served as a Scout Master and helped many young men become Eagle Scouts. He was known for loving his family and the gospel above all else, and would spend all his days giving his family adventures that would last a lifetime. James served people tirelessly in his community, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his career.
He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, teasing nature, strength, kindness and powerful testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was and still is a loving father, devoted friend and faithful servant of the Lord.
James was preceded in death by his father, James Martin, and his brother, Mitch.
James is survived by his wife, Sheena; his children, Dakota Loveless (Ryan), Jaden, Gabrielle and Jameson; his mother, Judith; his stepmother, Darlene; his mother-in-law, Mary Jo Goettle (Jack); his siblings, Mike, David, Melisa, Tera Naslund, Terena Himpel (Roger), Guy Caldwell (Mandi), Teddi Castle, Todd Caldwell (Ada), Kelli Erickson (Brad), Joseph Pepiot, Lee Ann Pepiot; his uncle, John Smith (Dawn); the entire extended Tidwell family; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services will be held at 2?p.m. Sept. 25, 2021, in the North Pole Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center, 331 E. 8th Ave.