James B. Martin

James B. Martin

Sept. 17, 1942 - May 14, 2013

McCOOK, Nebraska -- James B. Martin, 70, of McCook, died Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at Select Specialty Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, following a heroic battle against cancer. His family will be hosting a remembrance open house in celebration of his life at the Church of God's Family Life Center in Trenton, Nebraska, on Sunday, May 26, 2013, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

James Bernard Martin was born Sept. 17, 1942, in Wray, Colorado to Fred and Helen (Colling) Martin. He graduated in 1960 from Indianola High School. On Feb. 3, 1962, he married Beverly Johnette. The couple resided in Denver, Colorado, and Casper, Wyoming, while Jim was employed by Chevron Oil.

In 1970, the family moved to Trenton, Nebraska, where Jim worked for Alt Oil. Jim would eventually own and operate Alt's and Jim's Soo Paw. In the late 1970s, he left the station business to begin a career in insurance. During his 20 years in insurance, Jim ran both the Martin Insurance Agency (Trenton) and the Johnette Insurance Agency (McCook) before retiring in the late 1990s.

In his younger years, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on cars, playing guitar, and singing. He also spent many hours coaching and attending ball games, cooking, gardening, caring for his Beta fish, Poncho and the family's pets. In his later years, his joy came from spending time with his family and every fall he looked forward to football season. He loved watching the Huskers and participating in the family fantasy football league (he proudly displayed his two championship banners).

He is survived by his wife, Bev of McCook; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Bill Cole of Trenton; sons and daughters-in-law, James and Jane of McCook, Rodney and Angel of Blair, Kevin and Sara of Lincoln and Jeff and Annie of Imperial; grandchildren, Megan (and husband, Tommy), Allyson, Chloe, Hanna, Julia, Jon, Nevaeh, Jade and Jeffrey Jr.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Frieda and Bernie Goetze, Bernadette and LaVerne Miller, Bonita and Cary Hollenhors; brother and sister-in-law, Cliff and Carol Martin; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen; father, Fred; and son, Michael.

Memorials may be given in his memory.