Our beloved, cherished, and distinguished Jim, Dad, Granddaddy, Brother, Uncle, Attorney, Judge, and loyal friend passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2015. James B. Martin was born on December 25th, 1944 in Long Beach, California. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his death. Jim will always be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, proud father and grandfather, and a devoted and faithful friend to all that knew and loved him.
He was the patriarch of his family, a faithful servant of God, a constant service to his community, and a gentle man of honor and justice. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Betty Martin of Dallas.
Jim is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Cynthia; cherished daughter Sarah Hall (Brandon), grandchildren (Jackson, Maddie, and Hayes); son Michael O’Brien Pickens, Jr.; brother Henry F. Martin (Betsy); niece (Anna Beth and Tom Rousakis and their children, Henry and Mary), and many cousins.
Jim graduated from Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, MD, 1962; received a BA from Davidson College, 1966 and received a J.D. from Southern Methodist University, 1969.
Jim worked for Dallas Child Protective Services, 1966-69; Special Assistant to the Director of the Dallas Legal Services Project, 1969. He was Associate with Andress, Woodgate and Lodewick, 1971-1976; Associate with Ungerman, Hill, Ungerman, Angrist, Dolginoff, Teofan and Vickers, 1976-1979; Sole practice, Law Offices of James B. Martin; continuously Board Certified in Family Law, 1975-2015.
Jim was elected as Dallas County Family Court Judge, 254th Family District Court, 2011-2015; Presiding Judge of the Family District Courts of Dallas County, 2014-15; Sworn in to the United States Supreme Court to practice before the Supreme Court, 2014; Current President of the Annette Stewart American Inns of Court; Mentor for Law School Interns; Board of Dallas County Resolution Services, 2011-15; Leadership Council of Dallas County Democratic Party, 2011-15.
Member: First United Methodist Church of Dallas; Chancel Choir; Member and President: The Vocal Majority Barbershop Chorus; Member – Laws and Regulations Committee of the International Barbershop Harmony Society; Member and Block captain: Uptown Dallas; Member of the Board of Appeals of the City of Dallas; Delegate to the Dallas 2000 Project.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2015, 2 PM, at The First United Methodist Church (Ross and Harwood), Dallas. Reception will follow the Service.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society
or The American Juvenile Arthritis Organization.
“He fought the good fight, He finished the race, and He kept the faith.”
Published in Dallas Morning News on Apr. 24, 2015