James ''Jim'' ''Bear'' Martin Sr.

Anderson - James ''Jim'' ''Bear'' Martin Sr., 63, Anderson, died March 18, 2005 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Hospital, Carmel after an extended illness. Jesus came and walked with Jim to the stairway of Heaven safely in his arms. He was born March 8, 1942 in Westfield, Indiana, and had resided in Anderson since 1960 He was a heavy duty equipment operator for Hassler Trucking several years ago. He worked as the general manager for Public Taxi in 1985 and became disabled and unable to work at that time. He was graduate of Noblesville High School He served his country in the United States Marines He was a member of 1st Church of the Nazarene, the Redman's Lodge, Past President and member of the Madison County Equestrian Club, and also coached with Erskine Little League, He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His family meant everything to him. He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting and spending time with his entire family. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Teresa Pitcock Martin, whom he married February 14, 1986 in Anderson; children; Jeffrey Murphy & wife, Windy of Anderson, James Martin Jr. & fiance', Roxie of Anderson, Ronnie Martin & wife, Angela of Anderson, James Martin III & wife, Chrissy of Anderson, Jeremy & wife Teena Thurber of Anderson, Josh Thurber & finace' Shannon, Jason Thurber & fiance' Amber of Anderson, and Tammy Martin & husband, Corey Schmitz of Anderson; very special to Jim and Teresa, Donna & Daniel Banks & daughter Hannah Banks; Mother; Betty Ballard Martin; Sisters: Virginia & husband, Ernest Hazelwood of Anderson & Sharon & husband, Steve Treser of Noblesville; Brothers, Larry Martin Sr. & wife, Bessie of Anderson, and Joe Martin & wife, Faye of Anderson; Sisters-in-law & Brothers-in-law, Debby & Steve Brown and Betty & Frank Rice, Jr.; Father-in-law: Jim & wife Linda, Pitcock; 13 grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren, 1 aunt, several nieces and nephews; special friends, Frank & Karen Perkins, Greg & Rhonda Perkins, John & Terri Rodgers, Bobby Gentry, John & Pam Harless, Kyle & Dana DeFur, Darrell and Sandy Johnson, Matt VanAlst, Bill Etchison, his entire church family; and his dogs, Baby & Sunny He was preceded in death by his father, Herman Martin; and two brothers, Michael Martin and Jerry Martin. Services will be Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 11:00 AM, at First Church of the Nazarene, Anderson, IN, with Rev. James Storey officiating. Cremation will follow. He will be going home with his wife. Visitation will be from 3 - 8 PM on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at Robert D. Loose Funeral Home, South Chapel. Contributions may be made to the family of James Martin, c/o Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes to help with expenses. www.LooseFuneralHomes.com

James ''Jim'' ''Bear'' Martin Sr.

March 8, 1942 - March 18, 2005