James Lee "Jean" Martin, age 71, left this life on Thursday, March 13, 2014.  James was born in Taylor, Mississippi, on June 29, 1942, the son of the late Hargis and Lorenza (nee: Jackson) Martin. He was educated at Central High School in Oxford, Mississippi.  At an early age, he united with the North Hopewell M.B. Church in Taylor.  In 1965, James met Anna Hilliard in Oxford. He relocated to Racine in 1968, where he worked 2 full-time jobs (American Motors and JI Case Company).  He did this for approximately one year, that is, until someone told his employer that he belonged to 2 different Unions.  This is when he decided to make JI Case Company his choice of employment. On February 23, 1973, James and Anna were married.  To this union two children were born.

James joined Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles Thornhill.  James truly loved his church and church family. He served faithfully on the Usher Board, serving as President; he was a member of the Male Chorus and over the years drove the van for the Youth Department. James was a die-hard Minnesota Viking Fan.  In 2004 after 35 years of dedicated service, James retired from CNH America, LLC.  After retiring, James found that sitting home was not for him.  He found employment with Clean Power, working until his health no longer allowed him to work.  James enjoyed spending time with his family and taking care of his immaculate yard.

James leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving wife, Anna; daughter, Jamie Martin; son Jwuan (Jill) Martin, both of Racine; grandchildren: Quincy and James; brothers: Bishop Martin, Hervie (Mae) Martin, both of Racine; J.W. (Ruth) Martin, Argo, Illinois; sisters: Owema Cox, Milwaukee; Audrey Cook, of Taylor; Garnett Oliver and Varnell Owens, both of Oakland, California; Doris (Bennie) Smith, of Etta, Mississippi sisters-in-law: Helen Green in Michigan, and Linda Hilliard in Arizona;  aunt: Mae Mason of Racine; uncles: Joe Martin of Taylor, Roy (Lillie) Martin in California. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Hargis Martin Jr. and Grover Martin.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church, 929 State Street. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. with Services following at 11 a.m. Pastor Keith T. Evans, Officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.