James Autry Martin

James Autry Martin was born February 28, 1942 in Leapwood, TN the son of the late Theodore Woodrow (Ted) and Ruth Wheatley Martin.

He was united in marriage to Jean Willis on November 21, 1963.

James was a 1960 graduate of Selmer High School, where he played football. He attended U. T. Martin but had to leave school before graduation due to family hardship. James never gave up on his desire to complete his degree and eventually graduated from Tusculum College at the age of 44. His first real job was at age 13, when he began driving a fertilizer truck for McNairy Farmer's Co-Op, which was managed by his father at the time. James began working at Tennessee River Pulp & Paper in 1963. While working for the Mill in Counce he also measured cotton for McNairy County with Lester Cox and sold real estate for Wayne Bolton and his Father Ted Martin. James also worked for the Selmer Utility Department and performed surveys and inspections all over West Tennessee for Barge, Wagoner, Sumner, & Cannon Engineering Company in Memphis. After leaving the Mill in 1977 James opened his own business, Selmer Surveying Company, which became Martin Land Surveying in 1999. James began surveying using traditional tools that would have been used by early surveyors such as George Washington, including a peep sight compass, Jacobs staff, and Gunter's chain. In later years he operated a rental business under the name of Martin Properties. James was community-minded and a servant leader who never sought recognition for his accomplishments. He worked with Gary Kerby to construct the soccer field at the Selmer City Park and coached many local youths in baseball and football. James served on the Pickwick Electric Board of Directors for many years. He was strong in his faith in Jesus Christ and throughout his adult life he worshipped at Court Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Selmer First United Methodist Church, and Fourth Street Church of Christ. He valued and cherished the connections and friendships made in all the congregations and how each church and its members helped him grow in his faith and love of Jesus. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, and traveling.  James loved nature, spending time outdoors, and music.  He was also an avid Civil War historian and enjoyed giving tours of the Shiloh battlefield. 

James departed this life on October 12, 2022 in Tupelo, Mississippi at the age of 80 Years, 7 Months, 14 Days. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean (Willis) Martin of Selmer, TN; two sons, Mike Martin and wife Melinda of Ramer, TN and Jason Martin and wife Jennifer of Tupelo, MS; a grandchild, Hannah (Martin) Settlemires and husband Deven of Bethel Springs, TN; a sister, Patsy Bragwell of Alabama; and many extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by an infant brother, Joe Glen Martin.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Jesus Cares at www.jesuscaresmcnairy.org