James Owen “T.J.” Martin

James Owen “T.J” Martin, age 79, of Smyrna, DE, formerly of Fountain, CO and Chestertown, MD, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, September 10, 2021.

James, better known as T. J. to many, was born in Yerington, NV on July 26, 1942 to the late James B. and Louise (Rogers) Martin. T.J spent his youth traveling with his parents around Nevada and California as railroad people. At age 16, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Paris as a motor transport operator. Throughout his career in the Army, he served at various countries, receiving many distinctive awards. While serving in Vietnam, he received the Vietnam Service Medal with 7 Bronze Service Stars Vietnam Campaign Metal with 60 Device and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. His greatest accomplishment was serving as a ranger. He proudly retired from the Army after more than 20 years of dedicated service in August of 1980.

T.J. had a gift of making friends wherever he went. People gravitated to his friendly personality and stories, making life-long friends. He was dedicated to helping others as a Mason, Shriner, and Boy Scouts Troop Leader and Commissioner for 30 years. For many years, he drove the Rock Hall Trolley where he enjoyed the boaters. Wherever T.J. went he was a leader and had great organizational skills.

T.J.  is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Judith E. Pierce-Martin; children, Alyce Martin-Beck (Marc), Richard Martin (Michelle), Scott Martin (Judy), Jesse Moye (Megume), and Matthew Moye (Summer); grandchildren, Marcus Tays, James Tays, Audrey Moye, Skye Tays (Terisa), Roman Tysdale, Ethan Moye, Tanner Martin, Aiden Martin, and Ben Martin; and many great-grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 pm until 4 pm on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, followed by Masonic Services and a time of sharing at 4 pm. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine per the Governor of Delaware. Interment will be held privately at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

The Martin family requests no flowers. Contributions in James’s memory may be made to the Delaware Veterans Home, 100 Delaware Veterans Boulevard, Milford DE 19963.