Obituary of James J. Martin

James J. Martin, 87 of Toms River, NJ, passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2018 in his home. He was born on Jan. 31, 1931 in Harrison, NJ to Gertrude and David Martin. He resided there until 1974 when the family moved to Westfield, NJ. Jim retired and moved to Toms River in 1996. Jim is a proud veteran of the Korean War who was stationed in Europe in the Engineer Division. He was honorably discharged and completed trade school to become a licensed electrician. He was an independent business owner who served the communities he lived in through his vocational expertise. Jim was also a talented athlete in his young years. He was a high school quarterback and talented baseball player. He also took flying lessons, a vocation of his dreams. In his later years, he sponsored the Martin Electric bowling team and led the league in scoring average. Jim married his dear wife Carmela in 1958, who predeceased him on March 25, 2017. Together for 59 years, they proudly raised four daughters in a strong Catholic tradition. Jim is survived by daughters Teresa Tivenan, husband Paul, Diane McNamara, husband Kevin, Maureen Buehler, husband Tom, Gina Martin, husband Craig Pollins. His nine grandchildren, precious to Jim and Millie, are John, Stephen, Rachel Tivenan; Kate, Dan McNamara; Meagan, Molly, Ryan, Colin Buehler. They will miss Grandpa who reminded them to love and honor family, work hard, and be proud of the country we live in. Jim's 4 brothers and 3 sisters predeceased him; surviving are 2 sisters; Mary and husband Al Cerullo, and Annemarie McAteer, along with nephew Vincent Franco, and other relatives and friends. Visiting hours will be held on Wed., Aug. 29 from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Kedz Funeral Home, 1123 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ 08753. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thurs. at 9:30 A.M. at St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church, Toms River. Burial will be private.