James Martin

James Archie Martin, 78, of Elk River, Idaho passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2018. Born August 3, 1939 in San Jose, California, He was the son of the late Archie Martin and Jessie Gilmore Martin. Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marsha Martin, two sons, Jim and his wife Patti of Unalakleet, Alaska, Jeff and his wife Brenda of Pullman, Washington, a daughter, Jeana Thomas and her husband Steve of Lewiston, Idaho, as well as a brother, Charles and his wife Dorothy of Eugene, Oregon, and eight grandchildren. Jim had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He was a logger for nearly 45 years, starting in Western Oregon shortly after graduating from Elmira High School in 1957. He moved to Idaho in the early 1970's, eventually settling in Elk River. He logged the upper St. Joe and later the Floodwood in North Central Idaho. Jim hunted and fished extensively. Later in life he looked forward to his annual fishing trip to Alaska in the summer and to setting up elk camp in the fall. After retiring he continued to spend nearly every day outside. He cut firewood, picked huckleberries and mushrooms, and looked for animals in his side by side. Jim believed in community service. He started as a school board member in Oregon. After moving to Elk River he served on the Elk River School Board, the Recreation District board and as a city councilman. He was mayor of Elk River for the last 25 years, retiring in January of 2018. Jim loved promoting Elk River. He and Marsha, as well as their close friends Curt and Shelley McLam, were heavily involved in fundraising for the annual fireworks show in Elk River. They could be seen hosting ATV/UTV Poker runs and working the hamburger stand at local events. Jim was very involved in the Search and Rescue organization, often taking the lead in locating missing persons. An informal celebration of life will take place at the Elk River Community Bible Church on Saturday, February 17th, at 1pm. A luncheon for friends and family will follow at the Elk River Community Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elk River Fireworks Fund, the Elk River Emergency Fund or the Elk River Fire Department Building Fund. Cremation has taken place and burial will take place later this year.