Obituary of James Martin

MARION, VIRGINIA: JAMES DONALD "DON" MARTIN, age 79, died Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Smyth County Community Hospital, Marion, Virginia. Don was a man of few words. He spent his time devoted to his family, his community and his church. As a young man, Don served his country in the United States Army. While attending the MCV School of Pharmacy, his father became ill and Don moved back home to help. He became a contractor and worked with Lincoln Builders until 1979, when he began his own Commercial and Residential Building Company, JDM Construction Incorporated. There are not many places in Smyth County Don literally hasn't had a hand in. His building expertise was always respected and sought after. He served on the Marion Volunteer Fire Department, buildings and grounds committee of his church, Marion First United Methodist, a huge supporter of Emory & Henry football and at one time was an advisor to the Smyth County School System's building program. Don was a mentor to several young contractors in our area. His friendship, devotion and presence will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents, David W. and Julia Parker Martin; two sisters, Marian Dukes and Joan L. McDaniels; and brother, Raymond "Popeye" Martin. Don is survived by his wife Eleanor Robinson Martin of Marion, Virginia; one daughter, Janet Martin Holcomb of Rogersville, Tennessee; one grandson, Mark Dean Holcomb; two brothers-in-law, Walter "Pete" Robinson of Salem, Virginia and Dr. Leroy McDaniels of Richmond, Virginia; four sisters-in-law, Betty Ann Slemp and husband, Harold, Thelma Kate Mathena and husband, Don, Lois Robinson all of Marion, Virginia and Nancy Robinson of Roanoke, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Reverend David Woody officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Martin Family.