James O. "Jim" MARTIN

Age 76, of St. Paul Passed away August 21, 2022 He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul J. and Jean M. Martin. He is survived by his children, Aaron (Amy) Martin, and Amanda (Mike) Collyard; his grandchildren, Jack, Martin, Chase, and Merritt Collyard; step-granddaughters, Paxton and Kylie Grobe; and brother, Robert (Jackie) Martin. A lifelong 'East Sider', Jim enjoyed a 42-year career in St. Paul's Community Education where he prided himself on remembering the name and face of every person he worked with or served. He enjoyed developing new programming and bringing children and adults together to learn and play. He was frustratingly good at guessing a person's weight within 3 pounds (more often than not this was unsolicited information). He loved to recount his daily meals to anyone who would listen (most of the time they were not hot enough). He was fond of long phone conversations with friends, spending time with his grandchildren, watching any sport involving a ball, car rides to wherever the road would take him, telling stories, and teasing whoever was around him. He consistently showed up for his children and grandchildren. He took his children on road trips across the country, white water rafting, and to the State Fair each year. He made annual week-long cabin vacations with close family friends a priority and taught his children that neighbors make great friends. He taught his children how to ride their bikes, catch a baseball, shoot a basketball, hit a golf ball and cross-country ski. He thrived as a grandpa and showed his grandchildren how to tie their shoes, fly a kite, and master their math facts. No matter their interest, he cheered them on. He was gifted at giving the people he loved nicknames. His daughter will miss being called by the one he gave her. It brings his children comfort to imagine their dad's body restored to the wholeness he was born into allowing him to run with his loyal canine companion, Lulu, golf with his son, grandchildren, and friends, hunt with his dad, and garden like he did in his glory days. A Memorial visitation is being held from 4-8 PM Wednesday, August 31 at MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME- ROSEVILLE, 2130 N. Dale Street at County Rd B. MUELLER-BIES 651-487-2550