James E. Martin 1949-2009

James Edward Martin, son of the late Noel M. and Evelyn (Barlow) Martin, was born December 7, 1949 in Waynesville, Missouri where his dad was a former Waynesville Police Department Chief. James graduated from Waynesville High School in 1968. As a young boy, James became a member of the First Baptist Church of Waynesville.

After graduation, James attended University of Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma and earned his Associate’s Degree in Computer Programming. He became employed by Brodrick & Bascon Steel Rope Co. as a computer programmer in St. Louis then as an instructor of computer programming for two years. He worked for Keen Operation Company at Labodie Power Plant in heavy equipment for five years. Then began working as a data processor for an accounting firm and went to Texas Central College and earned his accounting degree. He was employed by Paul Mustion Accounting Firm for eight years.

He was also a business owner for several years. He owned RJS Construction Company and PCC Construction Company with two friends. He became employed by EG&G Defense Facility where he worked for nine years before having to retire in January of 2009 due to medical reasons.

On June 15, 2002, James was united in marriage to Delbra Kay Perkins in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over seven years together and many wonderful memories.

In his spare time, James enjoyed being outdoors fishing, hunting or shooting. He liked to travel and watched sports. Some would say that he was indeed a sports fanatic. James helped form the Old Stage Coach Foundation, was a member of the Community Betterment Association for 14 years and helped annually with Old Settler’s Day in Waynesville.

The one thing that James enjoyed doing more than anything, was spending time with his family. He was a fiercely protective father and doting husband and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

James passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2009 in his home at the age of 59 years, 11 months and 11 days.

James will be sadly missed by fondly remembered by his wife, Delbra Kay Martin of the home; one daughter: Michelle Varcho (Nick) of Jefferson City, MO; one son: Nathan Martin of Crocker, MO; two step-sons: Anthony Perkins (Dawn) of Dixon, IL and Barry Perkins (Danna) of Rolla, MO; one brother: Harold Martin of Waynesville, MO; half-sister: Judy Brown (Benny) of Crocker, MO; brother-in-law: Bob Stankiewicz; 5 ½ grandchildren: Eric Shane Varcho, Jazmine, Trevor, Drake and Aleya Perkins with one on the way, James Michael Varcho; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by two sisters: Brenda Abney and Pat Stankiewicz.

Memorial services were held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, November 22, 2009 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Rev. Christopher Hendrix officiating. Family friend, Janet Sands read the obituary and other family friends, Gordon Rigsby and Paul Herbig recalled their wonderful memories of James. The songs “I Can Only Imagine”, “Tears in Heaven” and “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” were played. Serving as honorary escorts were Dave Dodds, Gordon Rigsby, John Herbig, Gary Mayor, Don Hutchison, Bill Spring, Karl Duncan and Charlie Sands. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of James Martin to the Phelps County Hospice and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

December 7th, 1949 - November 18th, 2009