The family of James (Big Jim) A. Martin, Jr., 91, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Jim served in the US Army from September 3, 1953 to June 30, 1955. During a tour of duty with the United States Army, he became astute in the field of electronics as a radio repairman, and taught other servicemen to do the same. His travels while in the military included Linz, Austria, where he served in the 4th Army Battalion with a rank of Corporal. He received an honorable discharge in 1957.
Jim was a Christian man who was a lover of God. His hobbies included DJ'ing, fishing, driving his motorhome, riding his Gold Wing motorcycle, and singing in the mens chorus at his home church Bethel AME. Jim was a retired electronics teacher of 30 years and was passionate about his Vocational Industrial Club of America (VICA). He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Esther T. Martin. They had a blended family of six; 2 surviving biological children, James & Phillip Martin, 2 surviving blended children, Charles Turner III & Candace Smith, 2 deceased children, Claudette Henderson and Dwayne Martin, 28 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Arthur Martin, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and one God daughter.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Thursday, 31 March 2022:1015 - Stage at Bethel A.M.E Church, 7900 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90047
https://goo.gl/maps/BH4QyszZuJbmAXtU81030 - Mission Briefing
1055 - Flag line as family enters the Church for funeral and Military Honors services
R/C Steve Blumenfeld
aka Captain Chaos
Socal PGR R/C, Santa ClaritaSSGT, USAF, 1970-74
661-212-2284
steveb507alrpgr@gmail.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
