James Kevin Martin

1958 - 2018

James Kevin Martin obituary, 1958-2018

BORN

1958

DIED

2018

James Martin Obituary

In the immortal words of Jimmy Buffett, "we bid our farewell much too soon" to James Kevin Martin. Known to his close friends as "Jimmy B. Delicious," Jim passed away peacefully on September 3rd after a prolonged illness. He was born November 9, 1958 to William and Thelma Martin at the U.S Naval Base Hospital on Guam - so he was an island boy from the start (which makes sense for a devoted Parrothead!)


Jim was a world traveler and history buff, visiting Scotland, England, Italy, Belize, Costa Rica, Spain, France, and Ireland, along with many travels in the U.S. In fact, he claims to have once witnessed a leprechaun running across the fairway at one of his favorite golf courses in Ireland. He loved his family and friends, Las Vegas, playing guitar, golf, Jimmy Buffett, and Husky football....not necessarily in that order. Jim hated the Oregon Ducks, turkey sandwiches, and Trump....not necessarily in that order.


Jim spent most of his life in Vancouver, WA (except, of course, "the best years of his life" when he was a proud student at the University of Washington).


He loved Vancouver and his family so much, he purchased his childhood home from his parents where he lived the rest of his life. He ran his own successful video production company, MVP Video Productions, for decades - making friends out of many of his clients.


"Jimmy B" was a gregarious and outgoing friend who cherished his many lifelong friendships. He loved to "maintain" those friendships in his "community" - Tommy O's, the Frontier, and (the former) 1220 Main, to name a few.


Jim's wife, Kelly Walsh, and his beloved pets Jack (dog) and Bodie (cat) will miss him terribly, especially his dry sense of humor and his ability to make up believable "facts" on the spot. Jim had a close-knit family and will be greatly missed by those that survive him. That includes his siblings, Sharon White (Darrell), Donna Anderson (Carl), Cathy Hrushesky (Mike), Doug Martin (Bev) and Robin Kraemer (Joe); his nieces and nephews, Tracy Thompson (Michael), Derrick White, Kelly Story (Matt), Daniel Martin, Bethany Younger (Tim), Ashley Lorden (Diego), Olivia Kraemer and William Kraemer; along with countless extended family and friends.


Jim's last wish would be for all of his friends and family to have fun every single day - and for the Huskies to win a national championship. Jim's Celebration of Life is on Saturday, September 8th at one of his favorite places on earth: Tommy O's Bar - 801 Washington St., UW Huskies vs. UND watch party at 2 p.m. and "open mic" to share stories about Jim at 5 p.m.


Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Sep. 7, 2018.
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5 Entries

Jim was a friend, a collaborator, and a cheerful partner even during late-night, last-minute video editing sessions. He produced more than a dozen videos for me. Jim was always well prepared, a creative and hardworking team member, and he made artful additions to every project. The final outcome always exceeded expectations. He was great guy, too soon gone. Wishing comfort and wisdom to Kelly, to family and to friends.

Doug Hamilton

September 7, 2018

Jim...you were a gem and one of a kind. I met you through my sister Janelle and instantly liked you! Even though we only hung out a few times, when we would see each other out and about we chatted like old long life friends. You didn't deserve this so young! My prayers for your family.

Leanne Stermer

September 7, 2018

So sorry to hear about Jim....good friend many years ago when we were young and having fun!! RIP my old friend :)

J Benton

September 7, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

CJ

September 7, 2018

Going to miss you Jimmy B! Will never forgot steaks, liar's poker, and golf at the beach. - Erik

Erik

September 7, 2018

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