and underneath are the everlasting arms." -Deuteronomy 33:27 |
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He will save, He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest in his love, He will joy over you with singing -Zephaniah 3:17 |
Rev. James A. Martin 1948-2008 
Pastor Jim passed away at home Wednesday morning Dec 24. I could write a lot about Pastor Jim here but will try to keep it brief: He's been a friend, mentor, inspiration, musical collaborator, pastor, counselor & a great example for me & my family on how to live for Christ. While I might be the "internet face" of Everlasting Arms, Pastor Jim was the driving spiritual force behind it. His desire was for the music to live on & I will honor that commitment to the best of my ability. 
A beautiful & moving memorial service was held on Saturday January 10 at Redeemer's Church in Littlestown, Pennsylvania where Pastor Jim last served. Many testimonies of the positive effect Jim's life had on the church & in the community at large were given. Some of Pastor Jim's poetry was shared, as was his music. His recorded voice was heard singing (along with EJ & KJ playing & singing live) "On Broken Wings" & "Lo, I Am With You, Always". EJ also shared "In Memoriam" live at Meredith's request. 
The church Meredith works for as superintendent of their preschool has started a fund to help the family with their medical bills & other expenses. If you wish to donate anonymously (it's not tax deductible), you can make a check out to: "James A. Martin Family Help Fund" You can send it either to: James A. Martin Family Help Fund c/o Grace United Methodist Church 55 Albright Drive Hanover, PA 17331 Or to: James A. Martin Family Help Fund c/o PNC Bank 400 W. King St. Littlestown, PA 17340 If you wish to send a letter or card to the family (or donate unanonymously): Meredith Martin 16 Park Ave. Littlestown, PA 17340  From Jim's obituary in the Staten Island Advance newspaper: REV. JAMES MARTIN, 60 12/24/2008 Friday, December 26, 2008 Staten Island Advance Born in the Bronx, the reverend commonly known as "Pastor Jim" graduated from Beloit College in Wisconsin, then received a master's degree from Beloit before entering the U.S. Navy and serving four years at the War College in Newport, R.I., from 1971 to 1975. Following his stint in the Navy, Rev. Martin returned to school, this time at the Bangor Theological Seminary in Bangor, Maine, where he received his master's of divinity degree in 1978. Rev. Martin served for 30 years in the ministry. His pastorates included Easton, Pa., Beacon Falls, Conn., and at Immanuel Union, which he headed from 1987 until 1995. During that time, Rev. Martin resided on Ruth Street in Westerleigh with his wife, the former Meredith Reed, and their two sons. Rev. Martin received numerous certificates above the master's level. He also led many groups and associations within the United Church of Christ organization, including terms as president of the Council of Churches on Staten Island, the Littlestown (Pa.) Ministerium, and the Gettysburg Association of United Church of Christ in Gettysburg, Pa. He spent his last years as pastor of Redeemer's United Church of Christ in Littlestown. During his leisure time, Pastor Jim penned Christian songs, some of which were recorded and produced on a CD. He also wrote poetry, and enjoyed photography. Along with his wife of 33 years, Meredith, surviving are his sons, Roderick and Chad Martin, sisters Kitty Hernandez and Dora Ramos, and a brother, Lee Martin. A memorial service will be held at a future date in Redeemer's United Church of Christ. Arrangements, including cremation, were handled by the Little's Funeral Home, Littlestown. Love to all, Edward Jerlin  |
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