CHESAPEAKE- John Thomas Martin is basking in the presence of Jesus, his Lord, today. J.T. died July 1st 2015 at home surrounded by his family. Born January 20, 1928 he is predeceased by his father and mother Jesse Shackelford Martin and Ila Turner Martin as well as two brothers Jesse Sanford and William (Bill) and four sisters Alma Mitchell, Frances Martin, Lillian Jones and Helen Hicks. J.T. was born in Danville, VA and grew up in Stokesland, VA where he graduated from Schoolfield High School and then entered the Navy in 1945. After being discharged, he received an Associates degree from the Norfolk Division of William and Mary in 1948. He married Velma Atwood in August of 1949 and they lived in Norfolk and Virginia Beach until they settled in Chesapeake for the past 52 years. He retired from Equifax Inc. (formerly Retail Credit Co.) after 37 years as an insurance investigator, in 1986. He was the co-founder and one of the elders of The Church in Great Bridge and faithfully taught the Word of God. He loved golf, gardening, family ancestry research and playing games with his family and friends. He and Velma opened their home to any and all and shared their food, love, hospitality and love of Jesus to a host of friends and family throughout the years. Above all he loved Jesus Christ his Lord and savior and his witness brought many souls into the kingdom of God. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Well done good and faithful servant, enter into my rest.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Velma, of more than 65 years, three children, Nancy Moore (Skip), Tom Martin (Jeannie Rae) and Michael Martin (Darlene). He also leaves seven grandchildren, Jesse West, Matt West (Liz), Nicholas West (Ellie), Katie Kraft (Logan),Kelly Martin, Kevin Martin (Sarah) and Scott Martin as well as two great grandchildren Holden Kraft and Leighton West. Along with his sister, Virginia Cochran (Frontis), he leaves 25 nieces and nephews and a host of great nieces and great nephews and a few great-great kin folk and cousins too numerous to count.
Services will be held Sunday the 5th at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Rd, Chesapeake at 1:00PM. Burial will follow at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday the 3rd between 6 and 7:30PM. The family would like to thank Louise Urquhart for her care and love and service in his last days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Great Bridge food closet or the Billy Graham Ministries. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com where you may view the service if unable to attend or leave a note to the family.