James "Jim" Robert Martin

James “Jim” Robert Martin passed away in Los Altos, California, on December 29, 2024. Jim was born in Fountaintown, Indiana, on March 31, 1943, to Helen and Walter Martin. His children survive him, Julia Martin Murphy and Justin James Martin; his grandsons, Burke Martin, Keane Martin, and Trevor Martin; Julia’s husband, Mark Cullen; his sister, Judith Myer; and nephew, Bruce Myer.

 Jim grew up on the Martin Farm in Fountaintown, Indiana, which his grandfather, Harvey Snider, developed and built. He worked on the farm, bailing hay and working in the fields, before attending high school at McCallie in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There, he met interesting and exciting people and further developed his interests. Jim received his B.A. from DePauw University and an MBA from Indiana University.

 Upon graduation, Jim jumped in his car and headed to California. He rented an apartment in Hermosa Beach. Jim worked in Los Angeles and married Judith Gardiner Martin. They lived in Palos Verdes, where his daughter Julia was born. Ten months after Julia’s birth, Jim’s employer provided the opportunity to turn around the sign-making company Plasti-Line in Knoxville, Tennessee. Jim then acquired, took public, then private, the company that designed, manufactured, installed, and maintained onsite image solutions (signs) for large retailers, such as McDonald's, General Motors, and Wells Fargo. It was the largest US company in its small industry. After his brother's passing, he also managed the family farm in Indiana. Jim’s son, Justin James Martin, was born in Knoxville during this time.

 Jim loved all fine things; however, he was also active and connected with nature. Jim brought to Knoxville his love for experiences in life: travel, food & wine, entertaining, collecting art, museums, symphony, skiing, and hiking. He was a fantastic entertainer. The parties over Christmas, Easter, birthdays, and intimate dinners brought laughter and bonding among family and friends. Jim made people feel welcome. However, he always asked the tough questions, connecting people more deeply. He was loyal and dedicated to his family and friends.

 Jim bought his home in Aspen, “Miners Cabin,” which he would eventually retire and use as a starting point to embark on many international trips. The fabulous dinner parties continued, and salad was always included after the main course and before the cheese.

 Jim loved to ski with his children throughout their lives, from the early days in Squaw Valley to Aspen. The sport allowed for amazing conversation on lifts, lunches, and enjoying the outdoors together.

 Jim was an incredible father who did everything to provide Julia and Justin with education and experiences (in the US and worldwide), which shaped them into the people they are today. He was a mentor, advisor, sounding board, and, most of all, Dad. Julia and Justin were blessed and happy to spend the past six months with him at their homes in San Francisco and Los Altos, California.

It was essential for him to spend the downtime with his family. He would rather stay in his grandson’s small bed than be in a hotel when he visited. He cherished spending everyday moments with his children and grandchildren, not just at special events. Whether it was yelling out the window in San Francisco to Julia to wait for him to walk the dog with her or going to Costco with Justin (we all know how much fun Costco is). He invited his grandchildren to come to Aspen for summer camps and took the oldest to New York to show him the sights.

Jim did kind and unexpected things for people that no one else knew about. These acts of kindness and love left a lasting impact on people. They made them happy or helped lessen their pain, showing that Jim cared deeply. Hearing these stories brought Julia and Justin tears of pride and happiness.

 The Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and CEO Organization were a large part of Jim’s life. He attended 122 major CEO events. From 2007 to 2008, he was the International President, leading trips on all seven continents, including the Beijing Olympics and Antarctica. In 2024, he was the H. Jack Dow Inaugural Award Winner. Jack Dow started the CEO organization and founded Dow Chemical, making this a remarkable honor. Jim loved traveling the world with his partner, Denise Monteleone.

 He was a member of the National Council of the Aspen Music Festival and School and Aspen Museum of Art member. Jim is a past campaign chairman of the United Way in Knoxville. He was President of the Board and performed the conductor search for the Knoxville Symphony. He was also on the board of the Knoxville Museum of Art and The American Symphony Orchestra League in New York.

 As Julia and Justin say, “Dad is skiing in the clouds, watching down on us.”

Many of his wonderful friends have also noted, "The wine and food menu in heaven has definitely improved with Jim’s presence.” 

A gathering of family and friends will be from 10:30 to 11:30 am, Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the Fountaintown Methodist Church, Highway 52 in Fountaintown. A Memorial service will follow at 11:30 am with Jan Bond officiating.

Inurnment will follow at Fountaintown Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Kopper Kettle in Morristown.

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 124 E. North St. in Morristown.

On August 2, 2025 at. Celebration of Life will be held in Aspen, Colorado, at the Christ Episcopal Church, with a reception following.

 In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Aspen Music School (click on the link) or an organization of your choice. Jim loved the program, music, and the music professionals that perform every summer a few blocks from his home.

 Online condolences may be shared with Jim’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.