1929
2017
James Paul Martin, 88 passed away on May 21, 2017 at his residence.
He was the youngest of four children born to Dr. and Mrs. Claude A. Martin. He was a graduate of St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis, MS, attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute of Lafayette (ULL) and graduated from Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL. After, serving in the army during the Korean War, he returned to Welsh and became a field underwriter in the New York Life insurance company. He married Bernardine Fontenot of Welsh. He was elected Mayor of Welsh in 1967 and was re-elected without opposition, in 1971. In 1972 he was elected in District 37 to the Louisiana House of Representatives and served five terms as state representative from Jefferson Davis Parish and East Calcasieu. He retired from the House of Representatives after serving for twenty years in 1992. He was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors an usher, a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and Pontifical Knight of St. Sylvester and a charter member of the East Deanery Serra Club. He had a life- long commitment working with the Boy Scouts of America. He received the Silver Beaver Award presented by the Calcasieu Area Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Welsh Rotary Club. In 1953, his father advised him that he would be responsible to see that flags would be placed on the graves of the Veterans on Memorial Day.
He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Bernardine Fontenot Martin, his Children, Claude A. Martin, Andree M. Hainkel (John) and John S. Martin (Robert Mericle); his grandchildren, Victor P. Martin, Alexandra M. Hainkel, Roth M. Hainkel, Madilyn E. Martin; his great granddaughter, Olivia A. Hainkel. He is preceeded in death by his son, Paul M. Martin; parents, Dr. and Mrs. Claude A. Martin; siblings, Gertrude Martin Fernholz, Kathleen Martin Power and Abbot Matthew Martin.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh from 5pm until 8pm with a rosary prayed at 6pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady of Seven Dolors on Wednesday May 24, 2017 at 10am. A reception will follow at the Daigle Center. Private family burial will be held at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Cemetery. A special thanks to Harbor Hospice and caregiver, Mary Mouton. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com
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Sponsored by Hixson Welsh.
August 20, 2017
Friend
Claudette Romero Harbin
Mrs Bernadine,
I send my deepest sympathies to you and the family. The great memories I have of our family and yours will certainly be held special by me for my lifetime. I've even told of some of them to my boys. Mr. Jimmy was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. God has him, this we know. And God bless you, Mrs Bernadine.
Sincerely,
Claudette Romero Harbin
May 28, 2017
Heather Begnaud-Daigle
Mrs. Bernadine, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I feel as if Mr. Jimmy and you are an extension of our family. May God comfort you and your family.
May 24, 2017
I was saddened to hear about the passing of my dear friend. I enjoyed serving with him in the legislature many years ago. During your time of sorrow that friends are thinking of and prayers are being lifted for the family.
Francis Thompson, State Senator, District 34
May 24, 2017
Darlene Veuleman
May the lord hold your family in his loving hands and we are sorry to hear of mr James 's going to his heavenly resting place . We will remember you in our prayers signed Clifton E jr Darlene and their children William Michael,
Ann Veuleman
May 23, 2017
Rebekah Harris Gieger
Sending my condolences to the family of my distant cousin, James P. Martin. I am the great grand daughter of Charles Placide Martin, the grand daughter of Frances Leora Martin Harris, and the daughter of Lionel V. Harris, Jr. "L.V." My father was born in 1923 and passed away in 1983. He would have known, James P. Martin, I'm sure. I pray all of you are well and find peace that James is in heaven with all the loved ones that passed before him. With much love from cousin, Rebekah Marguerite Harris Gieger.
May 23, 2017
Bob Mastin
Dear Ones, I had so hoped to get to Welsh tomorrow but Billie and I will come in June. Jim was like a big brother to me and I have admired him as much as I have loved him. I know each of you are grieved and I join with you. He was so proud of each of you and with good cause. Heaven will hear him tell about his wonderful town of Welsh. He always told the truth. Love to each of you. Look forward to sharing memories next month Blessings on you.
Bob Martin
May 23, 2017
Martin Fernholz Family
We have fond memories of Uncle Jimmy. He lived a full live and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out go out to all the family.
May 23, 2017
Mary Beth Benoit
Bernadine and family, so sorry for your loss. Jimmy will be missed by many. Keeping you in my prayers.
May 23, 2017
Fern Shipp Grush
Very sorry to hear this. I have such wonderful memories of the Martin Family and my thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Fern Shipp Grush, Metairie. LA
May 23, 2017
Elizabeth Tuminello
So very sorry for your loss!
My deepest sympathies
Liz tuminello
May 23, 2017
Lisa Brummel
A fine soul has departed earth, a very fine soul indeed. It has truly been an honor and privilege for me to have known him in my lifetime. Peace be with you all.
May 23, 2017
Marilyn Dawdy
The Vallee family offers our deepest condolences to your family. Our parents were good friends throughout their lives. May he Rest In Peace. Marilyn Vallee Dawdy Joan Vallee Retke, and Louis Vallee.
May 22, 2017
Maureen Marugan
Uncle Jimmy, one of a kind. Heartfelt condolences and much love to You Aunt Bernadine, Claude, Andreé, and John and family
Maureen Power Marugan
May 22, 2017
Matthew Fusilier
The legacy and love you hold in your heart... may they always return to comfort all of you who are now remembering him in this difficult time .
Although I didn't have the honor to know this gentleman, I am feeling quite certain of his love and the great pride in your own legacy Claude.
Peace be with all of those who knew and loved him.
May 22, 2017
Mary Salassi-Scotter
So sorry to hear about Mr. Jimmy's death. He was a wonderful person & a good friend to my folks. Prayers for peace & comfort to his sweet family.
Mary Salassi-Scotter
May 22, 2017
Margaret Benoit
Bernadine, Claude, Andree and John. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. A man of principle, he was loved and respected by many and will be missed. I'm truly am a better person for having known him. Our community has loss a man of principle.
May 22, 2017
Margaret Bond
I am so sorry for your loss. I regret that I cannot be with you all in your time of sorrow. Know that I am with you in spirit. Mr. Jimmy will always have a special place in my heart. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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