James T. Martin, II, age 65, of Marlinton, died of a sudden illness, Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.

Born May 29, 1947, he was a son of the late James T. and Ethel D. Taylor Martin.

Jim was a native of West Virginia. He graduated from Marlinton High School in 1965 and West Virginia University School of Forestry in 1970. He was a retired West Virginia Forester. During his career he worked for the following lumber companies: R. S. Burress Lumber Company, W. M. Cramer Lumber Company, Plum Creek, Todco Overhead Door Corporation and Mullican Lumber Company before starting his own forestry consulting and timber sales business, Highland Forestry Services. He was a member of the West Virginia Board of Forestry, Emeritus, License 102 and a member of the Marlinton United Methodist Church.

He was a dutiful son, loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather. He was also an avid outdoorsman, he loved to fish and hunt and was known to have one of the best gardens in Pocahontas County each year. He grew his produce to share with friends, neighbors and family and always took great pride in helping others.

In addition to he parents, he was preceded in death by a half-brother, Tony J. Martin; and a half-sister, Rose Martin Tolison.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Nancy Tibbs Martin; two daughters, Patricia Martin Burns, and husband, Matthew, of Lewisburg, and Lori Martin Maynard, and husband, Eric, of Morgantown; a granddaughter, Katelynn Alexandra Burns; and a half-sister, Connie Gommer, of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

Family will receive friends Wednesday, July 4, from 6 – 9 p.m. at VanReenen Funeral Home. Funeral service is Thursday, July 5, at 2 p.m. at the Marlinton United Methodist Church with Rev. Scott Ingleton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Marlinton Volunteer Fire Department/Rescue Squad or the Marlinton United Methodist Church.