James Laurence “Jim” Martin passed away in Bryson, Texas on November 10, 2024, at the age of 91 years, six months and seven days. He was born May 3, 1933, in Detroit to Simon and Catherine (Sales) Martin. Jim always liked to celebrate his half-birthday (November 3) in hopes he might get a gift he did not receive on his actual birthday.
Jim graduated from Henry Ford Trade School in 1952 and was drafted into the United States Army in 1954. He and Shirley Kuhn were married in April, 1956, in Detroit, then lived in Colorado Springs, Colo. while Jim served at nearby Fort Carson. After active duty, he transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserves, dedicating a total of eight years to his country.
Jim spent many years working as a Program Supervisor, training Boards and employees for Junior Achievement, and then as Assistant to the Regional Vice President of eight western states, plus Alaska and Hawaii. The promotion meant a move from Detroit to San Jose, Calif., then to Seattle, and eventually, Jim and his family moved back to their beloved Colorado Springs, where he took over the J.A. program there. Jim spent many happy years with his mentor, Wally Fleming.
Jim left the J.A. program and moved to Denver where he became Executive Director of the Colorado Chiropractic Association of about 750 doctors. He and Donna Whitaker Boss met through the Association and married in 1992. He went on to serve as Vice-President of Life Partners Group (a holding company for four insurance groups) before retirement in 1997.
After two years of happily traveling in their RV, Jim and Donna settled May 3, 1933 – November 10, 2024
in Okmulgee to care for Donna’s mother and stepfather. Jim became very involved in the community, made evident through his countless volunteer hours. Jim was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce, Okmulgee Main Street, Okmulgee Historical Society and Okmulgee Homeless Shelter, where he served as Chairman of their Board. He was also Chairman for many years of the Community Development Committee which was instrumental in opening a recycling center for his adopted hometown. Jim also served as Interim Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street, as well as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 1677 and also Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus Assembly 3263. Jim was also honored as “Ambassador of the Year” with the Chamber of Commerce for a record five years in a row.
Those in the community also benefited from Jim’s hobby of woodworking and his backyard G-Scale Railroad.
He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children: Mark Martin of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Margaret (Peggy) Bennett of Overland Park, Kansas; Mary Dehart of Bryson, Texas; and Kelly Martin of Medford, Ore. He also leaves behind grandchildren Bryan and Scott Bennett; Justin, Ryan and Chris Dehart and two great grandchildren Trenton and Trace Dehart.
On Friday, November 29, a “Giving Thanks Day” for Jim will be held by his much-loved “Boss” family in Texas with pictures, flowers, stories, prayers and memories. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 30, with Rev. Ken Harder officiating. Interment will be held at the Veteran’s Circle at Okmulgee Cemetery, according to Jim’s wishes.
Cremation is being handled by McClendon- Winters Funeral Home.
