James William Martin

James W. Martin was born on July 17, 1924 in Staples, MN, the son of Lawrence and Olga (Jensen) Martin. He grew up in rural Geneva,  later moving to the farm in Bath Township where he lived for over 50 years. On September 8, 1963, Jim was united in marriage to Diane L. Coon at Trinity Lutheran Church in Faribault. They farmed together until Jim’s retirement in 1995. Jim continued to help his son Joel on the farm until age 87.  Jim was a member of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. He was a volunteer for the Freeborn County Historical Society where, among other things, he drove the tractor for the school kids in the fall and at the fair. In his younger years Jim liked to roller skate, ice skate, and square dance. Jim loved his farm, and especially loved his Guernsey cows.  Blessed be his memory.
Survivors include his children Timothy Martin of Minneapolis and Joel (Susan) Martin of Clarks Grove; grandchildren Madison and Josh Martin of Clarks Grove; step-grandchildren Justin, Nicholas, and Joshua Beatty; sister Agnes Christensen; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Diane, sister Catherine, and nephew Alan Christensen.