James O Martin

James O. Martin, 73, of Bozeman, MT, passed away August 12, 2018. He was born November 20, 1944 in Latrobe, PA to Robert and Irene (Myers) Martin.

He and his parents moved to Poughkeepsie, NY when he was 5 and he remained there until he moved to Bozeman, MT in 1970. He married Jeanette Oberg on August 10, 1968 in Drayton, ND and they resided in Poughkeepsie, NY until their move to Bozeman in July 1970. They lived at their current residence on Jackson Creek Road for over 48 years.

James served both in the naval reserve after high school and on active duty for 3 years on USS Waldron and USS Beale.

James attended school in Poughkeepsie at Dutchess Community College and at Montana State University.

James spent all his working years in the construction trade, working both on his own and for various contractors throughout MT. He also spent many years working as a carpenter superintendent, construction division, for the Dept. of Water and Power for the City of Los Angeles, CA. His family continued to reside on Jackson Creek Road, continuing to hold down the small family ranch.

He was a member of the Gallatin County sheriff’s posse for a number of years and very much enjoyed his involvement with the group.

James was a big man with a big personality and a big heart who easily made and kept long lasting friends everywhere he went. He had a great sense of humor and leaves many lasting memories of good times and laughter shared with family and friends, riding horses in the surrounding mountains, hunting, 4 wheeling and in later years, riding in the Ranger and sitting in the gazebo with binoculars watching any goings on up on the hillside up above our house and along the creek. He always enjoyed family gatherings, friends, good food and especially, time spent with his only grandchild (Bria, 2). He very much enjoyed being there for his family and friends whenever they needed a hand and he also loved pet sitting the menagerie for his son and family.

James is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jeanette; son, Jared and daughter-in-law, Rachel, granddaughter, Bria, Bozeman; daughter Jessica, Billings; half-brother, Ross (Minh) Boyle, Las Vegas, NV and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a cousin and his very beloved little California dog, Sasha.