Born James Fredrick Martin II on July 29, 1980, in Fort Benning, Ga., JR was the son of James F. Martin and Bonnie Lou (Willard) Martin. He spent his formative years in Indiana, attending school at Knightstown and Whitko. He was a hard worker and spent time as a pool-cage and pergola installer in the Southeast. He also worked for many years at Cafe Valley and at RomoTech; he even worked in landscaping and, as a teen, at the Pierceton American Legion.

JR wore his heart on his sleeve and was never afraid to show those he loved that he cared about them; he was also not afraid to stand up for what was right. He was stubborn, sarcastic and fun-loving. He was a self-proclaimed movie and pizza fanatic and had a great sense of humor. He also had a one-of-a-kind laugh.

Those who survive with memories to share include his siblings, Jamie (Shane Sapp) Brown, of Pierceton, Joshua (Erin) Martin, of Fairmount, Jeannie (Adam) Trexler, of Jonesboro, April Martin, of Fairmount, Jamie (Tim) Allen, of Pierceton, Brandi (Manuel) Tlahuetl, of Warsaw, and James (Debbie) Adkins, of Dayton, Ohio; stepmother, Wima Martin, of Warsaw; and paternal grandfather, James M. (Sally) Martin, Marion. He is also survived by 23 nieces and nephews and five great-nieces and great-nephews whom he loved unconditionally. He was preceded in passing by his parents and and his remaining grandparents.