Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, James Wilford Martin, Sr. passed away at his ranch home in Gilroy on Thursday, October 28, 2010.
Married 63 years to his loving wife Norma Lee, together they created a family of four daughters: Linda Edwards (Ken), Carolyn Sherman (Jerry), Patti Romero (John), Barbara Scott (Don), and his son James Martin Jr. (Theresa). Together they have nine grandchildren and one great-grand daughter.
While a student at Bethany Bible College, he founded the Assemblies of God church in Felton, CA and later established Lone Hill Assemblies of God church in Los Gatos, CA. Through his seven year West Coast radio broadcasting ministry, he founded Friends of the Word Fellowship. His teachings were heard world-wide through the Far East Broadcasting Company (a non-radical evangelistic radio ministry). He supported this activity through many successful years as a General Contractor in the Bay Area.
A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church, 8455 Wren Ave., Gilroy at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, November 5, 2010. All those touched by his life are invited to attend a visitation at 9:00 A.M. preceding the 10:00 A.M. service. Interment will be Saturday, November 6, 2010, 12:00 noon at Sunset View Cemetery, Jackson, CA.