James W. MARTIN Jr.

POQUOSON - On Aug. 11, 2010, I lost my soul mate, my best friend and my favorite dance partner, James W. Martin, Jr., "Billy," when he answered the call. He fearlessly lost his optimistic and brave three year battle with aggressive prostate cancer. Billy was born to the late Virginia and James W. Martin Sr., (Bill) on Dec. 17, 1944.
He is survived by me, his wife of nearly 43 years, Penney S. Martin; our two children, Jeffrey K. Martin of Orlando, Fla., and his son, Tyler Austin Martin, our daughter, Amanda M. Repke and her husband, Mike of Katy, Texas and their children, Caroline Virginia, Henry James, Catherine McEvoy, and Jack Martin. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara M. Fyfe and her husband, Doug of Hampton; my sister, Connie G. Stott of Williamsburg; several nieces and nephews; and his ever faithful companion, Madeline, our mini-schnauzer.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by my mother, Mildred Virginia Stott; and our daughter-in-law, Gina L. Martin.
Billy was raised in the Phoebus and Buckroe areas of Hampton. He was a proud Crabber and graduated in the class of 1963, from Hampton High School. For the last several years, he had chaired his class reunion committee. He also attended Christopher Newport and Thomas Nelson. Billy retired after 37 years from the U.S. Postal Service. After a two week unemployment period, he began a new career at Thomas Nelson as Mail Room Supervisor. He worked there for 10 years, until his health would no longer permit. As a part time job, he worked at Parklawn-Wood Funeral home. As a teenager, he worked every summer at Buckroe Amusement Park, in various places. I hung around the popcorn stand until he would ask me to dance. He and I would dance in the Pavilion for a quarter. That's where it all started. Not only was Billy my favorite dance partner but the favorite of many others as well.

Billy proudly served his country, and retired with 25 years of service in the Naval Reserves. He was a member of Northside Christian Church, where he served as Deacon for many years and was a longtime member of the Crusaders Adult Bible Fellowship class, He was a member of the Poquoson Lion's Club, where he received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Service Award. He and I were past members of the Colonial Shag Club. Over the last few years, we have enjoyed accompanying many people to NYC, every Christmas season, as well as Alaska, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Billy loved playing golf, pinochle, dancing, the beach, being with the grandchildren, and our monthly Hand and Foot 'tournaments." He loved the Lord and the Northside family and was an example to all who knew him; especially when his health was declining and the cancer was overtaking his body. He never complained and always had an upbeat attitude. One of his most famous roles was Santa Claus. He shared that talent with our family and friends. The Santa bells were familiar to many.

I would like to thank Dr. Mark Fleming at Virginia Oncology, for being our friend and for the excellent medical care provided and also to Virginia Urology in Richmond. We wish to express our gratitude and thanks to Stacy, Natalie, and Elaine at Virginia Oncology, for their kindness to us during this long and difficult journey, and the fifth floor staff at Sentara CarePlex in Hampton. Also to our many friends who took care of us by providing food, phone calls, cards, and mostly for the many prayers that were said on our behalf. Also, a huge thank you to the Crusaders, for their great support; and to Howard Thomas, for organizing the grass cutting teams. Many thanks to Ron Cutler, who was my chauffeur and was always available and very happy to serve in that capacity.

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