James Martin

James Richard Martin, age 88, of Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away on April 5, 2012 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

James was born on December 10, 1923 in Temple, Texas to Richard Ceaser and Elsie Mounce Martin. His family moved to Clovis in 1935 and graduated from Clovis High School in 1942. James worked at his dream job at the Lyceum Theater and State Theater before he graduated from high school. After graduating high school, he entered the United States Navy in 1943, serving until 1946. In the Navy he served as an aerial photographer flying in B24 Liberators. He photographed the Invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He received the Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross, five Air Medals and the Victory Medal. After the war he returned to Clovis where he returned to work at the theaters as the projectionist. He married Clara Von Shirley on March 26, 1950 in Clovis, New Mexico. James moved to Albuquerque in 1967 where he worked for KGGMTV. He then went to work for the Civil Service at Kirkland Air Force Base as a photographer and motion picture editor. After 35 years of service, he retired in 2000.

James is survived by his wife, Clara Von of the home, five children: Delores Diane Martin, Richard Lynn Martin, Robbie Nell Morgese, Wanda Lee Durant and Cheryl Suezzette Black sixteen grand children, 17 great grand children, two great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Leland Martin.

Services are at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2012 at Central Baptist Church, Clovis, New Mexico with Rev. Dick Ross officiating. Interment will follow at Mission Garden of Memories, Clovis, New Mexico. Casket bearers are Adam Durant, Buck Durant, Jeremy Durant, Joshua Durant, Keith Stanford, Timmy Stanford, Michael L. Martin, Michael W. Martin and Richard Martin.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of SteedTodd Funeral Home, 800 E Manana Blvd, Clovis, New Mexico 575 7635541. You may also sign the online guest registry at www.steedtodd.com .

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