James Elwood Martin

WEST WINFIELD - James Elwood Martin, 76 of West Winfield, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, October 18 th , 2019 at the Katherine Lutheran Home in Clinton.

He was born on July 1 st , 1943 in Fort Plain, the son of the late William and Ruth Rockwell Martin.  James was a graduate of Richfield Springs High School.  In 1965 James enlisted in the US Army serving courageously in Vietnam, and was awarded the Purple Heart Award.  He was honorably discharged in 1971 attaining the rank of Private 1 st Class.  On September 25 th , 1971 James was united in marriage to the former Betsy Mary Barrett at the Federated Church in West Winfield, where they made their home.

For more than 20 years James worked as a silo builder for Harter Silo based in Glens Falls, where James enjoyed traveling the New England states and meeting people.  James loved to socialize.  At one time he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Richfield Springs.  James enjoyed hunting and would spend most weekends during hunting season at Nial and Jeanne Williams' house, often bringing his nephews along.

For all who knew Jim he will be remembered as an outgoing and generous man who was always there to help while looking for nothing in return, but would never turn down a meal or a beer.  He was always happiest surrounded by friends and family.  He will be sadly missed.

Surviving him are his devoted wife of forty-eight years Betsy, one son, Boe Martin and his wife Angela of Cedarville, three Brothers, Robert Martin and his wife Marion of Burlington Flats, Richard Martin and his wife Shu of Fort Plain, Albert Martin and his wife Susan of NC, one sister, Lillian Murphy and her husband Jim of Richfield Springs, many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Francis  and William  Martin and four sisters, Alberta Gardner, Ida Robinson, Mary Ludlow and Maude Reed.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, November 2 nd from 2:00 – 4:00pm in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James St, Richfield Springs.  Funeral service will be private and at the convenience of the family.In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Jim's memory to: Veteran Outreach in Utica or Feed Our Vets, 195 N. Genesee St. Utica, NY 13502.