"Sue, Though you are not able to take comfort in the physical presence of extended family & friends, please take heart in knowing you are in the thoughts & prayers of many. Love, Anna"
In loving memory of
Pastor Jim G Martin
November 16, 1933 - March 31, 2020
Pastor Jim Martin had an unwavering faith in his Lord, even through trying times as he first lost a son at a young age due to cancer and later in life lost his other son. Jim was an encourager and always reached out to others to see how they were doing. He was friendly natured, always had a smile on his face and just by his eye contact with you, you knew he was there to listen.
With 10's of thousands of people traveling the roads and railways in America looking for work and twenty five percent of the population on unemployment, 1933 was the worst year of the depression. The film King Kong premiered, Shirley Temple signed a contract with Fox at the age of 5, and the first drive in theater opened. The World's Fair opened in Chicago, the "spotting" of the Loch Ness Monster was reported worldwide, and the popular board game Monopoly was invented. That same year Jacob C. Martin and Donna M (Edgell) Martin found out they would be having a child and on November 16, 1933 in Mannington, West Virginia they welcomed the birth of their first child, Jimmy G. Martin.
Growing up in the hills of Big Run, West Virginia, Jim learned to take not only care for himself, but caring for his four younger siblings. By his teenage years, his family moved to Wooster, Ohio. He played baseball while attending Fredericksburg High School and would graduate with the Class of 1952. He went on to further his education at Findlay College with a desire to be a History teacher. With God having a different plan for Jim, a small church reached out to him during his Junior year of college to pastor their church and in return they would provide him a meal. Not one to pass down a free meal, Jim took this opportunity and the course of his life would forever be changed.
In the summer of 1956, Jim took a position at a church summer camp in Missouri and there he met R. Carolyn Holdman. Carolyn was working at her parents' camp store there and the two would fall in love. On December 28, 1957 in Leadwood, Missouri, the young couple would marry and start a life together. In 1958, Jim became an ordained Minister and would pastor at several churches in Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio. He would retire from the Church of God's Conference Office in Ohio in 1999 and move to Columbia City, Indiana. Jim began a part time job working at Teghtmeyer's hardware store before taking an Associate Pastor's position at Columbia City First Church of God in 2000. He retired in 2016 but continued to stay active and served on the Elder's Board through December of 2019.
Jim was passionate about pastoring and spending time with others. He was able to find relaxation in reading and being outside. A man who touched so many people's lives will never be forgotten. Unfortunately, many of those lives will forever be changed after hearing the news of his passing. Pastor Jim G. Martin passed away unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2020 at his home in Columbia City, Indiana at the age of 86. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carolyn Martin; daughter, Susan (Terry) Fenker of Columbia City; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Martin of Rhinelander, WI; sister, Juanita Thompson of Mishawaka; grandchildren, Melissa (Matt) Geiger, Ashlee (Andrew) Cook, Seth (MaryJean) Martin, Brianna (Emanuell) Hernandez and Jessica Martin; and great-grandchildren Maddie, Makena, Audrey, Aleena, Asher, Quincy, Ynez, Elissa, Liliana and Amy. Preceding him in death, Jim is dancing and celebrating in Heaven with his parents, Jacob and Donna Martin; sons, Mark D. Martin and Stephen G. Martin; brother, Robert A. Martin; and sisters, Mary Daughterty and Ellen McIntire.
Due to CDC's large community gathering guidelines, a private funeral service will be held for Pastor Jim's immediate family. He will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Compton Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends with a memorial service will take place at a later date. Arrangements with DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to Columbia City First Church of God. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send Jim's family online condolences or to watch his funeral service after it has taken place.
Click the link below to view Jim's funeral service
https://youtu.be/g5xqJrKLeSo
Tributes
"Thank you Jim for your friendship and your Christian walk all these years. We shall see you in Heaven Judie and Bob Bistline"
"Carolyn and family, the Ensminger family wishes to offer our sincerest sympathies in the passing of Jim. The Times we had together were memorable. May God bless you in this time of sorrow."
"We offer our deepest sympathy to the Martin Family for your loss. Jim performed our wedding ceremony 51 years ago on April 26, 1969 at Oak Grove."
"Uncle Jim has been a wonderful light in my life ever since I could remember. He truly was the hands and heart of Jesus. I so appreciated his gift of time and his readiness to pray together. And what a gifted story teller and prayer of there Word! So very sorry for your precious loss."
"Carolyn, Susan and families, We are so sorry for your great loss!!! We have so many fond memories of sitting under the ministry of your family at Oak Grove... with all the boys from Blacklake. Jim was a loving pastor, a caring friend, a teacher and mentor to us. His legacy will live on forever! Prayers for peace and comfort for each of you!"
"Carolyn , Although I am a Methodist now, my roots lay in the Enola COG. Pastor Jim and you were a part of my growing experience. I would attend Bible Studies and sometimes services in the summer. As my heart goes out to you and your family, I rejoice knowing that one day we will all be together again. You were a powerful team and you still are. Love, In and thru Christ, Allean Welker "
"Carolyn and family, Thank you for sharing him with us. We all four, are better human beings, because we knew Pastor Jim. We offer few words but hold dear many fond memories and great appreciation for this amazing man of God. With much love, The Chad Jagger Family"
"Carolyn and family. Theresa and I were sad to hear of Jim?s passing but know that he is dancing and singing praises in God?s presence. Mike & Theresa Pensinger "
"Mrs. Carolyn Martin and family, So sorry to hear about your loss. I can?t put in to words how much I respect and admire everything Pastor Jim and family has meant to me. It is mind blowing to think about all the lives that have been forever changed by the work done by Pastor Jim as a kid growing up in the Enola First Church of God I am forever grateful. God bless you all!"
"Dearest Carolyn and family, David and I send our heartfelt condolences to you. We want you to know that the two of you had a tremendous impact on our lives and the way we approached ministry. You were always there to encourage, comfort, guide and even gently admonish. Jim was a bright light when the day seemed dark, his sense of humor could cheer the bleakest soul, his smile lit up a room and his laughter was infectious. Most of all Jim Martin was truly a beautiful man of God and that gives me the assurance that he is with our Lord in eternal peace and glory. Until we meet again, Mary Thomas "
"Jim was such a wise and wonderful man of God! He will be so missed. We thank God for Jim's life that was well lived and greatly impacted so many. Our prayers are with you Carolyn and the family as you grieve this great loss. What an amazing legacy of faith you have created for future generations! Eric & Billie Grant & family"
"To a beautiful and GOD loving family! My deepest condolences in this time of sorrow. He is dancing and singing with Jesus right now and enjoying his family reunion. He was a great and mighty man and I am blessed to have known him and to be able to call him my friend. All our love and hugs to every member of the Martin family Darren and Marcia didier. Carrie Pequignot Evan and Jonathan didier Kathryne McNamee "
"Carolyn & family, Our hearts are sadden hearing God's Angels took Jim home. How glorious that must of been for him. He was a special person and a dear friend of our family. We have always given Jim some credit for our strong marriage (since he preformed our wedding :) and building our faith as our pastor. He was dearly loved and his smile & hugs will missed. Praying for comfort & peace for you. Joe & Sara French"
"Jackie and I send our prayers for you and the family at this time of loss. Heaven has gained a Jewel. I will always be grateful for the inspiration and wisdom that Jim gave to me as I followed him in the Office of Church Renewal. I will always remember his kindness and his love for the Lord he served so well. Keith and Jackie Raderstorf."
"Remembering all the memories we had with Pastor Jim In Enola Church of God...Very respected man that married us in 1983. He was thought about alot.. Prayers to your family.."
"Growing up in Pastor Jims Church for many years.He was a very generous and respectful man. the pastor that married. Us.. yY you will be missed.. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Love Ron and Shelly Riland"
"Our sympathy to Carolyn and family in parting of Pastor Jim. When I came into CGGC years ago, he was one of the first to make me feel at home in God's calling. Over the years I saw his faith and positivity in ministry. While we are all saddened in his parting, I know he rejoices in eternal rewards. Aleta and I pray for you all. Blessings. "
"Carolyn & family, I'm so saddened of the loss of your husband, dad, grandfather. He was a wonderful, caring individual. He married my husband & I back @ the enola church of god in 1983. We have been married now for 35 yrs. U r all in our thoughts & prayers. Love to all. Jim & dolly sunday"
"Ken and i were so sorry to hear of Pastor Jim's passing. He was a wonderful caring thoughtful man. He always had a smile on his face that just made you feel better no matter what you were dealing with! We have many wonderful memories of the time he was our Pastor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carolyn and all his loved ones. God has recieved a rose for his heavenly garden! God bless."
"Carolyn and family, My deepest condolences to you all in Jim's going home. It was with great pleasure that I had working under him for a few years at First Church of God in Chambersburg, PA. Remembering back on all the fun we had together and our big trip to Indianapolis to Gaither's Praise Gathering. I remember us driving out there together and stopping in to spend the night with Susan and family. What a great man of God he was. I will always remember our times together even the night I got to sing with Jim, Travis, and his wife during one of our revivals. Thoughts, hugs, and prayers to all of you. Love you! Gary Fisher"
"Janice Yeager Apr. 1,2020 So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. My memory goes back to time Jim and Victor Yeager went to the Air Base where my son Scott laid for 2 weeks with broken leg at that time all Scott would say was "hold my hand" he thought he had a way home. Jim was a special person enjoy you both at Silver Creek shareing Gods Love. Love and prayers Janice Yeager"
"Carolyn, so sad to hear about Jim. You were both very special to me. I know Jim is walking in heaven with our Lord and Savior which brings joy to my heart."
"Carolyn, I?m so sorry to hear of Jim?s passing. You both were a pretty incredible gift in my life for a brief time while you pastored Enola Church of God. Thinking of you as you begin the incredible journey of growing accustomed to his absence. May God bring comfort like nothing you have ever experienced before. Hugs!"
"I am so sorry for your loss Carolyn. We have very fond memories of Jim. He will be missed dearly. I can see him praising God in heaven. Bill and DeDe Duvall"
"Dear Carolyn, Susan and family, I am so sorry to hear about Pastor Jim?s passing. I have many fond memories of the family while they served in Enola, PA. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs and prayers, Kathy Liddick "
"I am so sooty to hear of this great loss for our community. Jim was an encourager and a faithful servant of Jesus. I was lucky to call him my friend. May God grant each of you his peace at this time of hurt. "
"Dear Carolyn and family, We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We have wonderful memories of him at The First Church of God in Enola PA. He married Bill and I 38 years ago. We are thinking of you all and praying for comfort. Love , Cindy and Bill Miller"
"Cliff & Kathy Wolaver sending our deepest condolences at the passing of Pastor Jim. So many fond memories of the ministry this dear couple provided at Enola First Church of God. He will be preaching this Sunday in heaven for sure. Our love and prayers for the entire family."
"My deepest sympathy, your family has a special place in my heart, with the memories at Silver Creek Church of God. Carol (Boyer) Shepherd"
"Carolyn, Terry and Sue and children. So Sadden to learn Jim?s passing. He will really be missed. I hope you feel the community around you in spirit and prayers. "
"I?m sending Carolyn and the family my sincere sympathy. I certainly understand your shock and sadness on the passing of Jim. Know that I will help you if you need. Nancy Souers, neighbor. "