James Perry Martin, 90, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Dardenne Prairie Missouri. He was born on September 01, 1933, in Holland, Missouri, the son of the late C.C. & Viva (Heathcock) Martin.

He was commonly known as Perry growing up living on a farm in the Bootheel of Missouri at the age of 17 when he joined the Army. He served in the Army from 1950-1954. He started a career for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis Missouri and retired after 32 years of dedicated work as a machinist. After retirement, he returned to the farm, where he enjoyed helping his friend John Allen during planting and harvest work.  He married Shirley Ann Crawford on July 29, 1953, to this union two sons Terry A. & James Chris Martin were born. Perry and Shirley enjoyed camping, fishing, and wintering yearly at the beach in Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, Ruth Ann Berry, Phyllis Brown, and Dianne Brooks. 2 brothers Jackie and Billie Pete Martin, and 1 great-grandchild Alaric Goettel.

His memory will be cherished by his 2 sons:

Terry Martin and his wife Brenda of Dierks, Arkansas & James Chris Martin and his wife Pat of St. Peters, Missouri

4 Grandchildren: Michelle Thompson and her husband Larry, Jennifer Goettel and her husband Derek, Stephen Martin, & Brad Martin and his wife Susan.

8 Great Grandchildren: Trevor and Adrien Thompson, Dieter, Peyton & Paisly Goettel, Jayden Martin, Audrey & Connor Martin.

Host of nieces and nephews' family and friends.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the John W. German Funeral Home in Steele, Missouri with Tim Howard officiating. Visitation was held from 1:00 pm until service time. Pallbearers were James Martin, Perry Martin, Steve Martin, Derek Goettel, Dieter Goettel, Larry Thompson. Interment was in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Steele, Missouri.

Arrangements under the direction of John W. German Funeral Home in Steele.