James H. Martin

1942 - 2024

James H. Martin

SALAMANCA - James H. Martin, 82, of Salamanca, died Wednesday evening (Oct. 9, 2024) at home, following a long illness.

Born May 26, 1942, in Saranac Lake, he was the son of the late Harold and Barbara Betters Martin, and was raised by his grandparents, Earl and Claire Betters. He was married on June 27, 1964, to the former Babette Herrick, who survives.

He was a graduate of Saranac Lake High School, Class of 1960.

Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1964-68 out of Norfolk, Va., and was deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

He had been employed as a machinist with Alcoa in Randolph for over 10 years, retiring in 2000, and had previously been employed with Luminite and Ethan Allen, Salamanca, and the former York Merrit, Ellicottville. Upon his retirement, Jim had been employed as a teacher's aide at the Salamanca Middle School.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, the outdoors, hunting, fishing and he loved cooking. He coached SYA football and baseball and took great pride in his home, gardens and flowers.

Surviving besides his wife are a daughter, Lorene Martin of Salamanca; a son, Brent Martin of Salamanca; four granddaughters, Lacey (Todd) Sullivan of Vass, N.C., Kaylee Klahn of Norfolk, Kiana (Bryce) Nobles of Fayetteville, N.C. and Meagan (Zach Cocking) Martin of Lancaster; a grandson, Tyler (Katie) Martin of Lancaster; three brothers, William Martin of St. Regis Falls, Edward Martin of Bloomingdale and Richard (Patty) Martin of Paul Smiths; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday (Oct. 14, 2024) at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 15, 2024) in the funeral home, with Rev. Ben Good of the Riverside Chapel officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the American Legion, 67 Wildwood Ave., Salamanca, NY 14779; the VFW, 61 Wildwood Ave., Salamanca, NY 14779; or the donor's choice.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.