James Martin

James Ervin Martin, commonly known as Jim Martin or J.E. Martin, was born on January 8th 1936 to Aurthor Ray and Martha Grace (Long) Martin inside their Dugout home on his Uncle Spencer's farm in the Panhandle of Oklahoma just south of Elmwood. Jim passed on Sunday, November 27, 2022 in Stilwell, Oklahoma at the age of 86 years, 10 months and 19 days.

When he was 3 years old his parents purchased a farm of 320 acres to which they moved and he grew up raising cattle and also growing wheat. After graduating from high school, he set out from home moving to Wichita Kansas to attend American Business School, a college from which he would go on to earn a accounting degree. While attending there he met the lady who would become his mate, his partner, and his lifelong love Edith May McKenzie. Jim and Edith were married on July 1st, 1955, they resided there until 1960. During their life in Wichita, they had 2 children, 1st came Joyce Ann and Daniel Lee.

February 21, 1961 Jim and Edith purchased property in Piney a rural area outside of Stilwell, Oklahoma becoming proud owners of their own farm. On this farm they built together with their 2 children they raised both life stock and broiler chickens. They worked side by side Jim often referred to Edith as his best hand as she worked just as hard as he did.

In addition to working on their farm, Jim also did custom hail bailing for neighbors in Piney and the Peavine communities. He served on the Farm Bureau Board for many years. He also carried the mail for 30 years, at first in Bell and later in Piney retiring at 62. Jim and Edith both enjoyed traveling, and for his leisure he enjoyed reading and putting together jigsaw puzzles.

After Jim retired, he and Edith purchased a 5th wheel travel trailer and truck so they could head south and winter in Benson Arizona, they did this for 6 years.

Jim was proceeded in death by his wife Edith May, his son Daniel Lee, and his parents Ray and Martha Martin, and brother Leroy Martin, and his sister Pauline Clanton.

Jim is survived by Joyce (Martin) Matlock and her husband Conley, 2 Granddaughters Jennifer White and her husband Greg, and Stephanie Renee Wright, as well as 5 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was respected and loved by all.