Rev. James A. Martin 1948-2008
A beautiful & moving memorial service was held on Saturday January 10, 2009 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
"On Broken Wings" & "Lo, I Am With You, Always".
Edward also shared "In Memoriam" live at Meredith's request.
Jim's desire was for the music to live on.
We intend to honor that commitment to the best of our abilities.
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.
Click on the picture below for a wonderful newspaper
article published in the Hanover Evening Sun.
Grace United Methodist Church in Hanover, PA has maintained a fund
to help the Martin family with their medical bills & other expenses.
If you wish to make a anonymous donation (non-tax deductible),
a check can be made out to:
"James A. Martin Family Help Fund"
Please send it to:
James A. Martin Family Help Fund
c/o Grace United Methodist Church
55 Albright Drive
Hanover, PA 17331
If you wish to send a letter or card to the family:
Meredith Martin
16 Park Ave.
Littlestown, PA 17340
Love to all,