James P. Martin

MARTIN, James P., November 23, 1951 – May 9, 2012. Preceded in death by parents, Rex C. and Muriel F. Martin; sister, Jolene Martin. Survived by wife, Susan Kay Martin; sisters, Judy Katskee and husband Mitch, and Jani Martin; nieces and nephews. James Patterson Martin, the son of Rex Conrad and Muriel Francis Martin, was born November 23, 1951 in Cherokee, Iowa. His childhood years were spent in Sutherland where he received his education. At an early age, it was evident that Jim had a love for music, singing “The Lord’s Prayer” at a funeral at the young age of 5. In high school, Jim lettered in sports and music, taking first place in state contests for vocal and instrumental music. It was during those high school years that Jim started his first garage band, The Poor Boys. The Hooterville Fire Department, Cherry Tree and JDR were other bands that Jim played in that became popular Iowa favorites. Jim and his bands were a favorite entertainment at many parties, weddings and special occasions. Jim attended a trade school in Des Moines, Iowa to become an electrician. Soon after, he owned and operated his own business, Jim’s Electric, in Sutherland, Iowa. Not only did Jim continue his love for music, but he discovered a new passion, flying, and obtained his private pilot’s license. Jim married Susan Kay Dau, his high school sweetheart, on October 5, 1974 in Sutherland. In 1979, they moved to San Diego, California, where they resided for ten years. During that time, he was recognized for his work on the installation of the lighting system in Jack Murphy Stadium, the emergency generator backup system at the UCSD Medical Center and several military contacts. Jim and Sue moved back to the Midwest in 1989 and eventually settled in Omaha, Nebraska. Jim recently retired from the Omaha Public School District where he had worked for the past 20 years. Throughout Jim’s life, he always followed his passions, whether it was music, flying, tractor rides with his dad or taking time to help others. Family and friends came first and Jim would never say no when someone needed help or advice. Jim passed away in Omaha on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at the age of 60. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jolene. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Susan and her family; Jim’s sisters: Judy Katskee and husband Mitch, and Jani Martin; nieces and nephews: Mandy Smock and husband Pete, Joi, Jimmy, Marty and Maggie Katskee; grandniece and grandnephew, Claire and Jack Smock, all of Omaha; many other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends Monday, 11am to 12:30pm, followed by SERVICES at 12:30pm at the West Center Chapel. Graveside Service Tuesday, 1pm, Waterman Cemetery in Sutherland, IA. Memorials will be directed by the family.

HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900

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