Jim C. Martin, of Brookings, SD, passed away at home on July 28, 2022.
His funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at the First United Methodist Church, in Brookings, with Pastor Pete Grassow and Pastor Teri Johnson officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Rudes Funeral Home.
Memorials can be directed to First United Methodist Church in Brookings, South Dakota State University Foundation to go toward the Rodeo Team or the Reece Ullerich Medical Fund, C/O Great Western Bank in Hartford, SD.
Jim was born Dec. 21, 1943, in Monroe, LA to Norm and Marjorie Martin. He graduated from Brookings High School in 1961 and attended South Dakota State University (BS) graduating in 1966.
Jim married Reyna Riedesel in Brookings. Their children, daughter Ann and son Trace graduated from Brookings High School.
Jim graduated with a park management degree and was first employed as City Park Manager in Madison, SD. In 1968 he was then hired as District Park Manager at Oakwood State Park with the South Dakota Department of Game Fish and Parks.
In 1976 Jim and Reyna purchased Martin Oil Company from his father upon Norm’s retirement and ran the company until Jim retired in 2006. During this time Jim also enjoyed farming with his father-in-law and working on his own farm.
Jim loved many outdoor activities and was especially fortunate to be able to visit the Alleman Ranch in Haakon County many, many times and to be able hunt the many species of wildlife found on the beautiful ranch with his family and friends.
Jim served 10 years in the South Dakota National Guard and was a member of the 139th Headquarters Battalion in Brookings.
Jim was a member of First Methodist Church in Brookings, Brookings Elks Club, Pheasants Forever and was on the board of directors of South Dakota Petroleum Marketers.
Jim is survived by his wife, Reyna; daughter Ann (Ryan Overby) of Brookings, SD, with children Alaina and Aleah. Son Trace with children Blair and Hank, of Bloomington, MN, sisters Nancy (Craig Byers) Ham Lake, MN and Bonnie (Jerry Langum) Spearfish, SD.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandson Gavin Overby.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.