ASHEVILLE, NC
James Charles Martin of Asheville, North Carolina, passed September 9, 2021. He was eighty-four.
Jim was born on December 10, 1936, to the late Hazel Grimes Brumleve, and Ervin H. Martin, in Washington County, Indiana.
He served in the US Air Force and graduated from Indiana University. Jim married Janna Woolsey Martin, his wife of 61 years, in September of 1960. They settled in Columbus, Indiana, for 35 years.
Jim retired after thirty years of work with Louisville Cement in 1998. Restless with retirement, Jim and Janna moved to Asheville, NC where they bought Pinecrest Bed and Breakfast and ran it as a family business for 13 years.
Jim was a man of faith and a longtime member of First Christian Church in Columbus, Indiana where he served in many leadership roles. He led the church-sponsored Boy Scout Troop for many years. His commitment and dedication garnered him an honorary Eagle Scout. While in Asheville, he attended Central Methodist Church.
He enjoyed hiking, backpacking and being outdoors. Jim organized and led many camping trips through the Smokies. On these trips, Jim earned the nick name “One Match Martin.” Some of his favorite trips were when he traveled with his family and friends abroad.
He touched so many lives with his generosity and with his “can do” attitude, lending a hand to anyone in need. He is also remembered by his friends and family for his ability to memorialize everything, There isn’t a piece of furniture in the house that doesn’t have the story of the purchase (who, when, where) written on the back. He was an unwavering and enthusiastic Indiana University basketball fan. Jim enjoyed meeting new people and telling stories of his travels and adventures.
His favorite part of moving to Asheville was being closer to his girls and grandchildren. Jim’s greatest joy came from his wife, two daughters and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Janna Woolsey Martin of Asheville, Jim is survived by his daughters, Stacy Shelley (and husband Mark) of Asheville, and Kristi Bates (and husband Chris) of Evans, Georgia; sister, Vicki Probus (and husband Robert) of Jeffersonville, Indiana; and grandchildren, Grace Fialkowski, Elliot Shelley and Lydia Shelley, all of Asheville, and Megan and Charlie Bates of Evans, Georgia.
A private service for the family will be held on the morning of October 23, 2021 at Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, Indiana. The public is invited to a Memorial Service in Jim’s honor at First Christian Church at eleven o’clock on October 23, 2021.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church at 531 5th Street, Columbus, Indiana 47201.
