Jimmy (Jim) Lee Martin died on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at MCR in Loveland, Colorado after 90 wonderful years. In passing, he is reunited with his wife (Nancy Norine Shelgren), parents (E. Earl and Mary (Mae Nicewander) Martin, brother (Clifford Martin), and many others.

Jim was born in Laurens, Iowa on July 30, 1929. He grew up on a farm near Albert City and Laurens. Jim spent his childhood working the land and raising animals. He rode to school with a neighbor on a pony-drawn cart. In every way, rural life suited him. Jim grew up to be a simple man who believed in hard work and doing the right thing. He always wanted to be a farmer, and studied agriculture at ISU. After a semester, he moved back to the farm and enlisted in the Army Reserves where he served for 27 years.

Jim was active in his area and community where he was a member of the Pocahontas Farm Bureau for 48 years and served on their Board of Directors. He was also a long-time member of the Rolfe Lions Club and served some time as president. He was an active member of the Rolfe Presbyterian Church and later Shared Ministries of Rolfe where he served as a deacon and elder.

Jim and Nancy hosted many international students from Iowa State University, as well as an exchange student, Mikko from Finland and kept in close contact with many of them. They were also able to visit Mikko in Finland several years ago.

Jim met Nancy at the Pocahontas County fair, fell in love, and they married Dec 29,1951. They enjoyed over 60 years together before Nancy's passing in 2012. They rented a small white farmhouse south of Rolfe and raised two children, Mary Dawn and Randall Lee. Jim and Nancy taught their children to love the Lord, work hard, and value family. The Martins were self-reliant before it was cool. They had a prolific garden and raised cattle, hogs, and chickens. They went to church every Sunday, and never in jeans. Jim wasn't a man of many words, but showed his love by being a good provider, dedicated husband and father.

In 1978, they finished their dream home east of Rolfe, overlooking the Des Moines river valley. Jim and Nancy spent their best years on that farm, and grew old together. They slowed down, but never retired. Jim was a skilled craftsman who could MacGyver anything. He donated countless hours to Rolfe community projects, including the library and church. He enjoyed helping others - from painting houses to repairing roofs. He was kind, well-respected, and loved by friends and neighbors. When he wasn't traveling, farming, driving a truck, or drinking coffee at Pronto, Jim enjoyed visits from his grandchildren (Jonathan, Peter, Lindsay, and Jeffrey). Being a grandpa brought Jim great joy. He enjoyed exposing these city kids to farm life and always had special projects he "needed help" with.

In 2012, Jim and Nancy left their Rolfe home to be with family in Colorado. They enjoyed being close to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (Breyton, Mara, and Dekker). During his time in Colorado, Jim developed an interest in photography and was always ready for a drive in the mountains with son Randy. He enjoyed regular visits from family, especially playing cards with daughter Mary at the senior center. Jim loved his time in Colorado ,but remained a rural farm boy at heart. Jim is survived by his daughter Mary (Ken) Field of Ft. Collins, CO., son Randy (Kim) Martin of Windsor, CO, grandson, Jon (Jenn) Martin of Ft. Collins, 3 great grandkids, Breyton, Mara, and Dekker Martin; grandson Peter Field of Ft. Collins; granddaughter Lindsay Martin of Homer, Alaska; and grandson Jeff (Britney) Field of Denver, CO and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was a man content with few things. One thing he did want was to be remembered in his community when he passed. We are deeply saddened that a memorial service in Rolfe cannot happen because of the Covid 19 pandemic.

PRIVATE FAMILY GRAVESIDE SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT THE CLINTON-GARFIELD CEMETERY IN ROLFE, IOWA.