James Martin

James Steven Martin, 90, of Rochester, died Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the Waters. Jim was born May 7, 1929 to Roy and Ida (Faust) Martin in Cullman, Alabama. He graduated from Cullman High School and attended both Samford College in Birmingham, AL and Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. He interrupted his education to serve in the United States Navy where he learned his craft as a photographer. While stationed at the Naval Air Station in Chincoteague, Virginia he met and married Anita June Ennis in Pocomoke, Maryland in 1952. After being honorably discharged Jim and Anita returned to Tallahassee where Jim finished his degree and took a job at FSU as a photographer and educator in the College of Education. In 1970, Jim moved the family to Rochester, MN assuming the position of director of audio-visual communications at Mayo Clinic. During his time there, he greatly expanded the responsibility of the department adding video production and satellite communications. Jim worked with actors such as Mary Martin, Jason Robards, James Whitmore, Julie Andrews, and Katherine Bateman as he created the Humanities in Medicine Insight Program for Mayo Clinic. He retired from his full-time role at Mayo in 1992 taking on a senior status project in Mayo Medical Ventures until 1994. Jim was actively engaged in both professional and civic organizations and served as the president of the Game Haven Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Rochester. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling with Anita and spending time with his boys and their families. Jim is survived by his wife, Anita of Rochester; Children, David (Kim) Martin of Orlando, FL, Wayne (Heidi) of Chaska, MN, Bryan (Ruth) Martin of Rochester, MN; six grandchildren and seven great grand-children and his sister, Essie Coppock of Birmingham, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ida; Brother, Wilbert; and Sister, Mary Mann. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN). Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2019 at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Martin family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzvinefh.com