James, “Jim”, Martin, 83 passed away peacefully on August 20, 2022 in Chandler, Arizona. He was born in Mesa, Arizona September 1938. He grew up in Gilbert, Arizona a middle child and only son of Glenn H. and Wealth (Bigler) Martin, with his sisters Glennice and Laree. Jim led a happy and active life filled with family, friends and many hours of service.
In November 1961, Jim married Fern Leavitt. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage together. During their marriage Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degrees from Arizona State University. He briefly taught High School and eventually moved into title and escrow where he worked for over forty years. They lived in Gilbert, Phoenix, Sierra Vista, Scottsdale, and Mesa. Together they raised eight children. They have 35 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his son, James Allen Martin; daughter-in-law Terri (Townes) Martin; sister Glennice (Martin) Anderson, and parents Glenn and Wealthy Martin.
He is survived by his wife Fern; daughters Laura (Bienz), Rita, and Joan (Lasura); and sons David, Kyle, John, and Joseph; and his sister Laree (Martin) Trampp.
Funeral service will be held 1:00pm on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building 1500 E. 6th Ave. Mesa, Arizona 85204, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at noon. Interment will be held at 9:00am on Monday, August 29, 2022 at Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, Arizona 85201. Arrangements through Bunker Funeral Services.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Karen and I are thankful for the years that we knew Jim. He was always supportive of us and our family. He always had a smile on his face and a joke or two to share. Our family was blessed to have him as our bishop and I enjoyed being his financial clerk at that time. He left behind a great legacy. He will be greatly missed.
Jim is truly a saint. He and Fern are fabulous parents that raised 8 great children. Jim was such a generous man and always had a smile on his face. I have looked up to him and his family my entire life. Our entire family has been blessed through our friendship with Jim, Fern and their family. I have no doubt that Jim is having an amazing reunion in heaven with James, Terry, his sister, parents and all his family that has passed on. May the Lord bless you all through this difficult time. We love you. Love, Kyle, Laurie and family
Marsha and I planned on attending the funeral but today not a good day. Out deepest sympathy.
Much love to all of the Martin family.
Jim was always smiling. When we moved in across the street in August Jim met us with popsicles and ready to help in any way. Such a good neighbor! He joked that every time he heard a horn honk he say, “Holly (our daughter) your ride is here”. Only good thoughts today!
Jim Martin was a wonderful man, served as Bishop to my family for several years. He was kind and raised a wonderful family with Fern. Love and prayers to all of Jim’s family ❤️
I went to school with Jimmy. I remember him being a fun, mischievous guy. And very nice . May God give you peace and comfort as only He can.
What a delight to be neighbors with the Martin Family for 36 years! The combined family’s sense of humor has kept us all in smiles & giggles for years. Jim will be missed but his legacy of love lives on in his family. Families are forever!