James F Martin

James F. Martin, 95 years old, passed away on September 12, 2025 surrounded by his loving partner, Betty, at his residence in Walkerton, IN.

Jim was born on April 5, 1930 in South Bend, IN to the late Henry and Barbara (Weinkauf) Martin. On July 16, 1977, Jim married his first love, Grace Smith, who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his siblings, Arthur Martin, Robert Martin, Dorothy Zmyslo, and Henry Martin, Jr. Jim is survived by his loving partner of 17 years, Betty Smith Tripp, and several other family members.

Jim was a Washington High School graduate of 1949 then went into the work force for Singer and then Bendix where he retired in 1982. Jim was also the founder of Martin's Greenhouse and ran it for over 30 years before passing it on to his niece, Jean. After leaving the greenhouse, Jim pursued a lifelong dream of farming. He moved to Walkerton and started to grow pumpkins and gladioli with great passion. Jim was known for his deep compassion, particularly toward the children in his community. Each year, he visited the local elementary school in Walkerton to share his knowledge, and he was a dedicated supporter of Camp Millhouse. Jim also loved to travel, fish, go to the casino, and a massive Notre Dame fan - if the game was on, he was watching it. Above all he loved his family, and in a life full of accomplishments - his greatest was raising his niece, Jean Neblung, from the time she was four years old and he even helped raise her daughter, Brianna Neblung-Potthast, who was like a granddaughter to him.

Friends and family will be received from 10:00am - 12:00pm Monday, September 22, 2025 at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S Mayflower Rd, South Bend, IN 46619, with a funeral service to start at 12:00pm and a Rosary to be prayed at 11:30am. Burial will take place at a later time at Highland Cemetery, South Bend.

Donations in honor of James F. Martin may be made out to Camp Millhouse, 25600 Kelly Rd, South Bend, IN 46614 or St. Patrick's Parish, 807 Tyler St, Walkerton, IN 46574.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.

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