James Hollis Martin born May 12th, 1936 in Geneva, Alabama. James was the 9th and last of the 10 children born to Governor Martin and Bessie (Thomas) Martin. James was a proud graduate of Geneva Colored High School (Bulldogs). James received a bachelor’s degree from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL and a master’s degree from the University of Toledo. James married the lovely Lula McKinney on Feb 17, 1956, and from this union 5 children were born.

Daphne J. Martin (Deceased),

Pamela D. (Martin) Sparks,

Ron S. Martin,

Darick G. Martin &

Marichal Martin (Deceased)

In 1966 James moved his family to Toledo, Oh and their family grew to include:

Son-In-Law,

Raymond L. Sparks, husband of Pamela Martin & their daughter Simone P. Sparks

Daughter-In-Laws:

Cynthia R. (Logan) Martin, wife of Ron Martin along with their two children:

Son, Shaun J. Martin and Daughter, Sha ‘Ron J. Martin &

Valerie (Hawthorne) Martin, wife of Darick Martin along with their two daughters:

Kari L. Martin & fiancé JaCarvis Bailey and their two daughters:

Payton N. Bailey and Karsyn J. Bailey, and

Daphne N. (Martin) Riley and her husband Demone R. Riley

James worked as a teacher & administrator serving the youth of the Toledo Public School system for 30 years. James also was an avid fisherman and sports fan. He loved the Detroit Tigers and Michigan Wolverines football and basketball. James was proceeded in death by wife Lula, son Marichal, daughter Daphne, his parents, his 9 siblings, and his beloved dog Shane. James leaves his children, grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends to cherish his memories.