James Wade Martin, 75, Ligonier, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2017, at home. He was born on March 3, 1942 the son of Wesley David Martin Sr. and Darlena (Stetler) Martin at home in Charleston, W. Va. On June 24, 1961 he married Georgetta Jean Thaxton. Together they shared 56 years of wedded bliss.

He is survived by his wife, Georgetta Jean Martin of Ligonier; three sons, Dallas James (Kristy) Martin, Timothy Wade Martin, and Mark Allan Martin all of Ligonier; three grandchildren, Tiffany Ann Martin, Chad Allen Martin, and Christopher Martin; a great grandchild, Summer; and three siblings, Wes, Vernon, and Joyce. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Charles; and two sisters, Diane and Sissy.

James retired from Monsanto in Ligonier after 37 years of faithful service. He was a gifted mechanic and loved to tinker with cars of any kind. James also enjoyed fishing and most importantly being with his family. He was a sweet man of few words, yet when he said something, he meant it, and you better listen.

A funeral service will be held in James honor at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 709 Johnson Street, Ligonier, IN 46767. Pastor Jimmy Shepherd will officiate.  Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier, IN

Family and friends will be received at Shiloh Baptist Church from 3-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25.

Yeager Funeral Home in Ligonier is assisting the family with arrangements.