James Martin

The memorial service for James F. Martin of Albert Lea , MN will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 19, 2009 at Bonnerup Funeral Service Chapel, Albert Lea. Father James Berning will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Monday before the service at the chapel.

James died October 14, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester , MN . He was 72 years old.

James was born in Shawano , WI on December 15, 1936, the son of Kenneth and Genevieve (Bocher) Martin. He graduated from Shawano High School in 1955, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and earned a degree in electrical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

James was married to Nancy Ebel of Milwaukee , WI in 1962. James and Nancy moved to Kokomo , IN , where he was employed with Delco Electronics Corporation, a subsidiary of General Motors. In 1980 they moved with their three children to Albert Lea , MN . James was most recently self-employed as a manufacturing representative.

James was an avid sportsman. He traveled on duck and goose hunting trips to Canada and Mexico . He enjoyed trips to South Dakota to hunt turkey, grouse, and pheasant. Recently James traveled to Africa on hunting trips with his brother. James was a skilled fisherman. He knew the river system in and around Yellowstone Park in Wyoming and spent time there trout fishing. He enjoyed fishing trips to the Florida Keys with his brother and son. James was an accomplished pilot. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1958 and later added instrument, multi-engine, and seaplane ratings.

James is survived by his wife, Nancy of 47 years; children: Mary Jo (Robert) Lee of Albert Lea, MN, Amy Martin of Minneapolis, MN, Patrick (Melissa) Martin of St. Louis Park, MN; grandchildren: Jade Claassen, Alex Claassen, Courtney Claassen, Jason Lee, Chris (Katie) Lee; brother Patrick R. (Arlene) Martin of Shawano, WI; nephew, Mike (Tanya) Martin and niece, Molly (TJ) Johnson; sister-in-law, Carol Robins of Vero Beach, FL.

James was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Marty Robins.