A beautiful and 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 and 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" and "Lo, I Am With You, Always". Edward also shared "In Memoriam" live at Meredith's request.

STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE – The Rev. James A. Martin, 60, formerly of Westerleigh, a past president of the Council of Churches on Staten Island and former pastor of Immanuel Union United Church of Christ in Westerleigh, died Wednesday of cancer at his home in Littlestown, Pa.

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.