Final Salute

James Lewis Martin, 86, was born on February 27, 1936 and went home to be with the Lord on January 8, 2023. He was born in the small town of Insol, Kentucky. He and his family moved to Bakersfield, California when Jim was 7 years old. He graduated from Bakersfield College and worked numerous jobs until he went to work at Taylor Tire & Brake as a lead mechanic for nearly 50 years.

Jim served in the United States Navy as a Seabee and retired in that capacity (1954 – 1966 and 1972 – 1987). He loved to tell stories of the places he went and the things he did while proudly serving his country.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Shirley Martin. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Hayworth; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Dennis Pounds; daughter, Lori Hoyt; daughter-in-law, Joyce Martin; stepson and daughter-in-law, Mike and Christie Ford; stepdaughters, Diane Ford and Linda Ford-Cowan; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Martin; sister, Trudy Martin, and parents, James and Ada Martin.

Service Details: Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. At St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield, California 93311.

www.bakersfield.com/obits

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Feb. 5, 2023.