James William MARTIN

James "Jim" William Martin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at home on March 29, 2024, in Spokane, WA, at the age of 92. He was born on October 9, 1931, in Washington, Pennsylvania, to Daniel M. Martin Sr. and Emma Elizabeth Cummins. He had four sisters and one brother.

At the age of 18, Jim embarked on an extraordinary life journey that led him to Phoenix, Arizona. There, he held many jobs and eventually became a journeyman electrician. In 1956 he welcomed daughter Terri, and several years later after a divorce, he and Terri returned to Pennsylvania.

It was there he met and married Gloria Louise Matson on February 26, 1966, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Thus began their blended family with Jim's daughter Terri and Gloria's two sons Bernard and Christopher Harris. In 1970, their family moved to Spokane, Washington, when Jim accepted a transfer position at the Spokane VA Hospital. In 1974, they welcomed son Andrew into their loving family circle. Jim retired in 1990 but he did not sit still.

Jim had a passion for all things outdoors and he loved the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. He filled his time hunting, fishing, camping, huckleberry picking & canoeing. He was an accomplished carpenter who enjoyed building furniture and even built a home. He developed a passion for wood carving and along with a friend, established The Spokane Wood Carvers Association in 1986. They started with four members and have grown to over 80 and are still operating today. When Jim passed, his family found many half-carved wood pieces in his shop.

Jim is survived by his wife, Gloria; one daughter, Terri Ryan; three sons, Bernie Harris, Chris (Janet) Harris, and Andy (Alena) Martin. His legacy extends beyond his immediate family to include seven grandchildren, Matthew (Ayres) Cusick, Melissa (Wade) Hooker, Marshall (Kyanna) Cusick, Molly Stark, Allison Aahl, Isabella Harris, and Noah Martin; along with six great-grandchildren, James Cusick, Morgan Cusick, Gianna Stark, Evelyn Stark, Drew Hooker & Lynnea Stark. He is also survived by twin sisters, Arleen Berry & Eileen (Tom) Scott. He was preceded in death by parents, Daniel M. Martin Sr. and Emma Elizabeth Martin; sister, Margaret Reynolds; sister, Beulah Brownlee; brother, Daniel Martin.

The funeral was held at Sunset Chapel at Fairmont Memorial Park on April 6, 2024