of Benton, AR
October 29, 1935 - October 20, 2022
James Barron ''Jim'' Martin, age 86, of Benton, AR went to be with his heavenly father on October 20, 2022. Jim was born October 29, 1935 to James Lee and Lucy Barron Martin in East Carroll Parish, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Barbara Ann Rose Martin; his parents; a brother, Lawrence Pilgrim: two sisters, Flora Roebuck and Helen Whitehead and brother-in-law, Nick Hamilton.
Jim was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he faithfully worshipped and actively served the Lord for over 45 years. His heart for service found him filling many roles the office of a deacon, outreach director (Ministry Coordinator) teacher, treasurer and trustee, brotherhood director and a member/chairman of a number of special committees. He received his secondary education in Louisiana public schools, attended Louisiana Tech and completed an undergraduate degree in Geology at Northeast Louisiana University. His career path took him to the oil fields of south Louisiana, the Gulf and west Texas. There was a stint as a math teacher in Louisiana public schools which led to his employment with Northeast Louisiana Contractor Chapter of the Associated General Contractors.
Due to his Association experience in Louisiana, he accepted the position of Assistant Manager with the Arkansas branch of the Associated General Contractors of America. After 22 years, he left the Association to become the first director of the established state agency to license Real Estate Appraisers. As its director he had the distinction of developing, implementing and managing for the next twenty years, the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. It was during this tenure that he and several board members became actively involved in the formation of the National Association of Regulatory Officials, of which he subsequently was elected president. In recognition of his many years of service to the Association he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award on his retirement.
On moving to Saline County in 1974, Jim was elected to the Harmony Grove School Board, on which he served for ten years. In the mid 80's, Governor Clinton appointed him to the Saline County Quorum Court, completing the term of a deceased member. His most recent community service calling was a Commissioner to the Benton Public Utility Commission, where he has served for 17 years.
Jim leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Charlotte Hamilton of Oak Grove, LA; daughters, Cindy Stracener (Doug) of Benton, Sheri Kelley (Jeff) of Alma, AR; one son, James Martin, Jr, (Karen) of Freeport , FL; five grandchildren, Katy Kennedy (Tommy) of El Dorado, AR, Conor Martin (Michelle) of Lebanon, TN, Bret Stracener of Benton, AR, Blake Kelley of Cove City, NC, Loryn Kelley of Alma, AR; three great-grandchildren, Adeline Rose Kennedy, Elise Marie Kennedy and Sophie Mae Martin and a host of nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 24 at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Rd, Benton. A celebration service of Jim's life will be at Calvary Baptist Church at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 25, 2022 with Reverends Clif Springer and Eric Schick officiating.
The church is located at 612 Valley View Rd., Benton. A graveside service will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander, AR. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, sons-in-law and longtime friend, co-laborer in Christ, Elbert Ragsdale and Ron Dunning .
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arkansas Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries, 10 Remington Dr., Little Rock, AR. 72204 or the Arkansas Sheriff Youth Ranch, 100 St. Vincent Pl., Batesville, AR 72501.
Sign Guestbook
23 Condolence(s)
GREGORY A TRAHAN
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
My condolences
Michael Sowell
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
My condolences to the family he was a great guy he lived across the street from us. Praying for you and your family ðŸ™ðŸ™
Stephanie Meyer
Monday, October 24, 2022
Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Jim was a sweet and special man
Kristin and Bryson Caudle
Monday, October 24, 2022
Such a sweet man he was to our family. Blessing and prayers.
Larry Disney
Monday, October 24, 2022
I first met Jim Martin in the mid-1990s, we were both working in the appraiser regulatory licensing programs, Jim in AR and me in KY. From the day I first met him, Jim became a trusted friend, and advisor. His work ethic was evident from the achievements he brought to the licensing program. He was a leader, elected President of the Association of Appraiser Regulatory Officials that is made-up of the fifty-states and territories. It is my opinion Jim Martin was a man who exhibited a strong affinity for his family, his faith, and his occupation. He will be missed by anyone he met.
Sean Walker
Monday, October 24, 2022
It’s amazing to hear about the life of this incredible man! We are praying for all of the family members.
Shelia Moore
Monday, October 24, 2022
I was so sorry to read about this. Jim was a Godly man and was always supportive of every activity in the church. I was church organist at Calvary for 25 years and he was always complimentary. I loved his smile and positive encouragement. My prayers go out to the family.
Shannon Wray
Monday, October 24, 2022
It was my honor to have known Jim and his family for many years at Calvary. He was such a Godly man who had a heart of gold. Prayers for his family. He will be missed, but we will meet again.
Richard Gillespie
Sunday, October 23, 2022
I'm proud to have known such a fine man and my friend. Served 6 yrs on the Appraisal Board and he was a godly man of high integrity. He influenced many lives and will be missed. My condolences to family
Karen and Mike Crowson
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family! We enjoyed many years of knowing and Barbara and Jim and attending church with them at Calvary Baptist for 5 years. I know the homecoming in Heaven was magnificent.
Gene hicklin & surita
Sunday, October 23, 2022
May the Lord use you in his heavenly home we are so glad to have known you and have you as a Christian brother your smiling face will be missed. GOD BLESS.
Cindy Hawkins
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Jim will be missed. Praying for comfort for the family.
Martha Rose :Lower
Saturday, October 22, 2022
JB joined the Rose family in 1962 when he married my sister, Barbara Rose. He quickly became rooted into the family and was an inspiration to all.He was always there for support and advise with maybe a little humor mixed in. He will be sorely missed.
Kristy Wilson
Saturday, October 22, 2022
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your families will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Devine/ Teresa Devine
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Praying for your precious family.
Ray and Kitty Barton
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Sorry for your loss
A great man
Mark and Tarakae Hughes
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Jim was a great man and friend. He would alway set everything aside to help my family and I. He loved his family and told us about them every chance he could. He will be missed but not for long. We will see you again soon.
Cheryl Turner
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Rip Jim Martin. It was my honor to have known you though it was a short time. You left a lasting impression on my heart.
Ron and Kaye Dunning
Friday, October 21, 2022
Jim was such a Godly man that did so many things for Calvary Baptist Church that are too numerous to mention and many things behind the scenes we will never know about. In other words he was the rock of our church. We will miss him greatly and so will our church family and many others. Our heart goes out to his family. We need more Godly men like Jim Martin in our world. Love and prayers, Ron and Kaye
Andy kelloms
Friday, October 21, 2022
So sorry for your loss
Pat Barnett
Friday, October 21, 2022
prior to moving to Morrilton 19 years ago we lived in Benton and was members of Calvary Baptist Church. Jim was one of h th e nicest men you would ever find. I worked for a general contractor and knew Jim through the Associated Contractors Association. Everybody that knew Jim would always say how much he believed in the Lord and he will be missed by his fellow church members.
James and LeeAnna Richardson
Friday, October 21, 2022
So sorry for your loss. We are praying for you all.
Diane Rose
Friday, October 21, 2022
Uncle JB was a good man who loved his family, his community and Christ. His keen wit and sense of humor made him a joy to be around. RIP Uncle JB.