James Martin (Cotton)

James Carroll Martin (Cotton), 93, of Mt. Airy, MD, formerly of Bethesda, MD passed from this life on Monday, April 16, 2018.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Corinne Heurich Martin, who died in 2004.

Born on November 25, 1924, in Charlotte, NC, he was the son of the late John  Martin and Pearl  (Clifton) Martin. He grew up in Washington DC and graduated from the old Central High School in 1942.  He attended American and George Washington Universities.  He joined the army in 1943 and served in the Army Air Corp as an aerial gunner with the 15th Air Force.  He was based in southern Italy, flying 35 combat missions over Europe.  Mr. Martin attained the rank of Staff Seargent receiving 6 battle stars, the Air Medal with 6 oakleaf clusters, the Helenic Air Medal for missions over Greece, the Purple Heart, and a group Presidential citation.

After working for 30 years as a Real Estate Broker, Mr. Martin bought the Elevators Shoe Company and served as President and Chairman of the Board.  He was on the board of directors and was Vice-President of the Kennedy Bank and Trust Company.

During his retirement years, he was owner and breeder of thoroughbred horses, some of which won stakes races.  He was an avid golfer and was a member of Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

He is survived by his 5 children, James C. Martin, Jr. of Poolesville, MD, Christian Heurich Martin and Gail M. Martin of Woodsboro, MD, Robert C. Martin and John Y. Martin of Frederick, MD.  He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

A Graveside Service with honors will be held at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington DC on Monday, April 23, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.