James Thomas Martin Jr.

The Honorable James T. Martin, Jr. lived a full and complete life during his 86 years here on Earth. Unfortunately his life came to a swift end after a brief illness. Jimmy was born on August 16, 1926 in Nashville, Tennessee. He grew up in the same home as his father James T. Martin, Sr. During his time in Nashville; Jimmy joined the Boy Scouts of America. He earned his patches and learned the skills to become an Eagle Scout. This experience instilled the love of outdoors and community service. During World War II he joined the United States Navy and was assigned to the U.S.S. Littlerock. The Littlerock was a light cruiser commissioned on June 17, 1945. During the initial shakedown cruise, the ship sailed from Newport, Rhode Island on October 21, 1945 toward South America. She rounded Cape Horn and transited the Panama Canal before returning to Norfolk, Virginia. Because he was a member of the shakedown crew Jimmy was a "Plank Holder" on the ship. After WWII, the Littlerock was mothballed, but recomissioned during the Vietnam War. The ship underwent extensive remodeling and was refitted as a missile cruiser. Because of the extensive work and recommissioning, there are two sets of "Plank Holders" for this ship. The U.S.S. Littlerock is now a floating museum in Buffalo, New York. After WWII, Jimmy was Honorably Discharged and went back to school on the "G.I. Bill". He enrolled at the local college in Nashville known to many as Vanderbilt University. He graduated with a law degree in 1951. Jimmy worked in Nashville for several years before receiving a job offer in California. On his drive from Tennessee to California, a friend recommended he stop in Las Cruces to visit another Vandy graduate, Forest Sanders and his law partner, Rufus Garland. Jimmy stayed in contact with Rufus and eventually returned to Las Cruces in 1953 to work as an associate in the firm. That firm ultimately became Garland, Martin and Martin. Jimmy loved practicing law and looked forward to going to work every day. He would often give advice to young people, "Find something you enjoy doing in life, because if you enjoy it you will be good at it and you will be able to make a living". The law firm grew over time and in addition to Rufus Garland and Jimmy's brother Wilson, the firm included Bill Lutz, Charles Creswell, James Roggow, Steve Hubert and Mike Winchester. Many associates spent time with the Martin Law Firm and often sought the advice of the senior partner. He practiced law in Las Cruces until July 1981 when he was recommended by the Do