James H. Martin

James H. Martin, 82, of Salamanca, NY died Wednesday evening, October 9, 2024 at home following a long illness.

Born May 26, 1942 in Saranac Lake, NY, he was the son of the late Harold and Barbara Betters Martin and was raised by his grandparents, Earl and Claire Betters. He was married on June 27, 1964 to the former Babette Herrick, who survives.

He was a graduate of Saranac Lake High School, Class of 1960.

Jim was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1964-68 out of Norfolk, VA and was deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

He had been employed as a machinist with Alcoa in Randolph for over 10 years retiring in 2000 and had previously been employed with Luminite and Ethan Allen, Salamanca, NY and the former York Merrit, Ellicottville, NY. Upon his retirement, Jim had been employed as a teacher’s aide at the Salamanca Middle School.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and he loved cooking. He coached SYA football and baseball and took great pride in his home, gardens, and flowers.

Surviving besides his wife are: a daughter, Lorene Martin, Salamanca, NY; a son, Brent Martin, Salamanca, NY; four granddaughters, Lacey (Todd) Sullivan, Vass NC, Kaylee Klahn, Norfolk, VA, Kiana (Bryce) Nobles, Fayetteville, NC, Meagan (Zach Cocking) Martin, Lancaster, NY; a grandson, Tyler (Katie) Martin, Lancaster, NY; three brothers, William Martin, St. Regis Falls, NY, Edward Martin, Bloomingdale, NY, Richard (Patty) Martin, Paul Smith, NY; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Monday, October 14, 2024 from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9pm.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday at 1pm with Rev. Ben Good of the Riverside Chapel officiating.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the American Legion, 67 Wildwood Avenue, Salamanca, NY 14779, the VFW, 61 Wildwood Avenue, Salamanca, NY 14779, or the donor’s choice.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.