James E. Martin, Jr.

January 29, 2018

CHARLOTTE  -  Native Charlottean Jim Martin, 83, died at Sharon Towers on Monday morning January 29, 2018 with his bride at his side. He practiced law for fifty years beginning in 1964 with Moore and Van Allen and was most recently a sole practitioner.  Jim retired from the US Navy as a Commander. He was a proud graduate of Central High School in Charlotte, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UNC School of Law.  At Carolina he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Treasurer of the student body and involved in many other school organizations. Jim had been involved with the Boy Scouts of America both as an Eagle Scout and a leader and on various YMCA boards.

Jim served First Presbyterian Church as a deacon, elder and clerk of the session. He enjoyed UNC sports, reading history, tennis (especially the “sundowners” at the Charlotte Country Club), his Friday morning Bible Study and his lifelong friends. He was very proud of “Grandpa Jenkins” and his CSA ancestors. He enjoyed sharing humor with all whom he encountered.

Jim is survived by Wardie, Margaret Ward Abernethy, his “treasure” wife of 57+ years, his three wonderful children & ten grandchildren; Jay [JEM III] and his wife, Jeanne; Margaret Long and husband, John; and Catherine Lindauer and husband, Douglas; grandchildren,  Graham and wife, Becca, James, Win & Sam, Abby, Jack & Millie, Caty, Carson & JD; his sister, Janie Crabtree; his brother, John W. Martin II and his wife, Judy. Jim was predeceased by his father, Big Jim (JEM, Sr.) and his mother, Barbara Hogan Martin.

A service of worship, remembrance and celebration will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday February 3, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church with a reception following in the Wood Fellowship Hall. 

Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 or Sharon Towers at 5100 Sharon Rd, Charlotte NC 28210.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

 

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  • Carol Lomax Fortenberry

    My sincere condolences to the family. My family (Lomaxes) were most fond of him. I hope you will find some solace in your memories of him.

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  • Lydia willard kellett

    It was with sadness that I learned that your Jim had died. A friend in Montreal sent me the lovely article from the Montreal paper. He was always so welcoming to me. Will keep you in my heart as you adjust to life without your partner.

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  • Harold Lowry

    Margaret and Catherine: please accept my since condolences on the death your father. I would have been there to extend them in person, by my doctor's advice was to stay home. It's a shame that so often we only reconnect at occasions such as this.

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  • Phyllis and Bill Spier

    Wardie and family,

    Phyllis and I wish you peace to bring you comfort, and lovely memories to hold in you hearts.

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  • Lucy Grasty

    Wardie, saddened to see your husband has passed away. He was always so kind to me when I worked at the court house. I loved telling my co workers and reminding Jim that my mother and your mother were friends and in each other’s weddings.
    I celebrate Jim’s many contributions to the community and hope you will be surrounded by peace and love in the days to come
    Lucy

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  • Judy Goldman

    Dear Wardie,

    I don't know whether my first message got sent or not, so I'm trying again. I was so sorry to read about Jim. I remember with such fondness meeting you all those years ago through Katie Underwood. I thought Katie had the nicest friends -- you at the top of the list! I've always been crazy about you, Wardie, and now I'm sad to be writing you under these circumstances. I hope you'll find solace in the fact that you had that fine, long marriage and you're surrounded by loving family and friends. Sending you a hug and love, Judy

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  • Judy Goldman

    Dear Wardie,

    I was so sorry to read about Jim. I remember with such fondness meeting you years ago through Katie Underwood. I thought she had the nicest friends, you at the top of the list! I've always been crazy about you, Wardie, and I want you to know how sad I am to be writing to you under these circumstances. I hope you find solace in the fact that you had that fine, long marriage and you're surrounded by loving family and friends. I'm sending you a hug and much love.

    Judy

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  • Nick and Maria Collias

    Dearests Wardie, Jay, Margaret, Catherine, spouses and beloved grandchildren,
    We are all going to miss Jim. He was the epitome of a Southern Gentleman: kind, spiritual, generous with his time and talents, intelligent, capable, and funny. A counselor would tell you to give yourselves permission to grieve this huge loss. My wish is that as the acute pain lessens with time, the treasure and joy of your memories will multiply.
    Nick and I want to come to the church service and speak to you in person, but we can't. The good doctor said, "If Nick gets the flu, he will go to heaven," so we are avoiding crowds during this horrible flu season.
    Know that we love you, and we will keep you all in our prayers.

    Nick and Maria Collias

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  • Pamela Rhynes

    To all of Jim's family: My deepest sympathies to all of you in the passing of this kind and generous man. My husband worked with Jim many years ago at the grocery store when Jim was a teenager. In the early 70s, my husband and I went to a closing for a house we were purchasing and who should be the attorney but Jim! What a reunion those 2 men had at that closing. That's probably the longest closing on record! For all the years after that, any time we had a legal matter Jim was always ready and willing to help or just give advice. My husband died in 2001 and I was so touched that Jim came to the funeral. Even after my husband's death, he continued to be my adviser and contact until he finally completely retired. I have nothing but wonderful memories of your loved one. Every time I saw or talked to him, he always relayed to me stories of his family and it was plain to see how very much he loved all of you. I know you will miss him terribly and I pray that you will find much comfort, peace, and strength in all the wonderful memories you have of so many years together. May God bless you and keep you.

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  • Maria Collias

    Dearests Wardie,Jay, Margaret, Catherine, spouses, and beloved grandchildren,
    Jim was the epitome of a Southern Gentleman: kind, spiritual, generous with his time and talents, intelligent, capable, and funny. We shall miss him..... A counselor would tell you to give yourselves permission to grieve this huge loss. My wish is that as the pain becomes less acute with time, the memories will become more treasured and joyous. Nick and I want to attend the service and speak with you in person, but we don't dare get out in crowds-- because if Nick gets the flu, "He will go to heaven," said Dr. Garner.
    Know that our love and prayers are with you all.

    Nick and Maria Collias

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