Retired MSGT James Martin

On January 22, 1942, James Martin was born to the late John Martin and Wilhelmenia Gray Wright in Allendale, South Carolina.   James became a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church, where he attended worship services in his early years with his mother.  Through the years he kept his faith.     

James received his early education in the Allendale public school system.  He graduated from Allendale Training High School in 1960. He drove with a friend to visit the Air Force Recruiter, and because he didn’t wish to remain in the car, he too took the ASVAB entrance exam.  He married the love of his life, Juanita Junior Martin.  As life partners for 56 years, they traveled the world to his various duty stations throughout the world via the United States Air Force.  

As a loyal devoted husband, he provided for his family.  He worked hard and made sure his family had what they needed.  He managed to find time to put his self through college, as well as make sure each of his children graduated from college.  He became a Master Sergeant and served Twenty Five years in the United States Air Force.  He took his family around the world with him to his many duty locations.  The duty stations were Okinawa, Japan, Karamursel AFB, in Turkey, Langley AFB in Hampton, Virginia, Eglin AFB in Okaloosa, Florida, Myrtle Beach AFB in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and then he retired from Shaw AFB in Sumter, South Carolina, two hours away from his place of birth.  He later worked and retired from the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

In the Union of James and Juanita Martin, three military veterans were produced. Their son RET. MAJ Aldric Oscar Martin (Army), resides in Oklahoma. Their eldest daughter Sharolette Martin is a Navy Veteran of Desert Storm and Desert Shield, who resides in Sumter, SC. Their youngest daughter SGT Kimberly Martin is currently still serving in the United States Army Reserves.      

James leaves to cherish his fond memories: two daughters, Navy veteran Sharolette Martin and SGT Kimberly Martin, both of Sumter, South Carolina; a son (RET.) MAJ Aldric and Gwen Martin of Claremore, Oklahoma; one brother John Wright of Allendale, South Carolina; two sisters Eva Manual of Fairfax, South Carolina; Elouise Ritter of Allendale, South Caroline; four brothers-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and sympathizing friends.

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