James R. Martin, an Eastern Michigan University Hall of Fame member, died Wednesday, Sept. 22, in Mount Pleasant, Mich., due to an illness. Martin was born Feb. 7, 1927 in Detroit.
Aside from his family, Martin graduated from EMU in 1950 earning varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. Martin was the chairman of the EMU football bust in 1970 to 1971, a president of the E-Letter-winners Club in 1976 – where he was a charter member of the organization, and served on the EMU Alumni Board of Directors from 1983 to 1984.
Martin graduated from EMU with his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He graduated high school from Wayne High School. After graduating, he coached football, baseball, swimming and later became an Athletic Director before retiring in the 1980’s.
He coached athletics for 18 years at Riverview, Flat Rock and Kinde high schools before becoming a principal at Ypsilanti Lincoln High School for 15 years. Martin had the pleasure of coaching the likes of Lloyd Carr, Woody Widenhofer and Bill McCartney. He also was inducted into the Riverview Hall of Fame.
He was active in the Jaycees, Sport Sages, Elks, President of Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, Athletic Official for Football for 40 years and was a member of the Michigan High School Coaches Association since 1955.
Martin is survived by his wife, Maryln; his two sons, James, John R.; his four daughters, Janis, Lillian, Cynthia and Laurie; and 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was 85-years-old.
