James Martin

James Robert Martin passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 83, surrounded by the loving family he spent a lifetime building. If you ask Jim’s family what they will remember most, they will probably start with the nicknames.

To his grandchildren he was "Silly ol' Grandpa" or "G'Pa"—a title he wore with absolute pride. Every child and grandchild had a nickname that somehow fit perfectly. He had a gift for making each person feel like they held a special place in his heart. And they did.

Jim was born on March 25, 1943, in Carthage, New York, to Richard Martin and Mary Turpin Martin, and was always proud to be a New Yorker. After graduating from St. Bonaventure University, Jim served four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era and then began his career with Sperry in Philadelphia. A job offer brought him to Salt Lake City in 1972, where fate, and thankfully a little geography, led him to Taunya Olsen, who he met at work (they shared their first kiss in a work elevator). They were married on September 27, 1976, beginning over fifty years of laughter, devotion and partnership.

Together they built a home where family was welcomed, fed, and teased just enough to know they were loved.

Professionally, Jim spent more than three decades with Sperry (later known as Unisys), serving in public affairs, marketing communications, employee development, and human resource management. He was a longtime member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and held the certification of SPHR.

Jim devoted himself to creating unforgettable family memories with innumerable vacations to Lake Powell. There, surrounded by red rock cliffs, sunshine, and the people he loved most, Jim was in his happy place. Those vacations required countless hours of planning, preparing, towing, repairing, packing, and probably worrying about the weather. He gladly did every bit of it because he wanted to give the gift of memories and adventure.

Jim's character was best reflected in the soundtrack he created for life. He invented little tunes, sound effects, and laughs that became part of his family's language. He was known for the bright red apron he wore while making his famous chili verde, and was always generous with both the seasoning and the second helpings. His homemade birthday, anniversary, and even "lost tooth" greeting cards became treasured keepsakes. Every gift opening came with his signature line, "Throw away the shoes and wear the boxes!"—a joke that somehow never got old. And Jim even mastered every silly Snap Chat filter imaginable, all so he could hear his grandchildren laugh.

Jim possessed a quick wit, and commanded an immaculate aptitude for embracing some of the most formidable crossword puzzles, whose complexity leaves one in quandary, however he materialized them all using nothing but pen and ink, leaving no room for miscalculations!

What made Jim extraordinary was not simply that he was funny—it was that he used humor as a way of loving people. His jokes welcomed you. His laughter put people at ease. His playful spirit reminded everyone that life was meant to be enjoyed together.

Even in his final days that spirit never left him. One of his last wishes was beautifully simple: to share a strawberry with his family. It was a small moment that somehow captured the way Jim lived, and a reminder that life's sweetest moments are best when shared with the people you love.

To describe Jim in a few words feels impossible, but these come close: gregarious, mischievous, steadfast, and deeply loving. He showed up again and again for birthdays, vacations, soccer games, softball games, conversations, celebrations, and ordinary Taco Fridays. His family always knew they could count on him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary Martin, and by his siblings Richard Martin, Carol Gentle, and Edward Martin. He is survived by his beloved sister, Mary Martin (Jim).

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Taunya; his children Ryan (Jenny), Adrienne (Loren), and Alex (Elisabeth); and his treasured grandchildren: Dru "Druster," Olivia "Peacock," Rylie "R-R-R-Rylie," Owen "O-Man," Penny "One-Cent," Charlotte "Car-lot," Hazel "Hazel," Levi "Elvis," Harper "Hah-puh," and Sawyer "Soybean." His family was his greatest joy, his favorite audience, and the center of his world.

While our hearts ache in his absence, we imagine Jim already making heaven a little louder, teaching the angels a few new sound effects, handing out nicknames and finding someone who could use a good laugh.

The following services will be held in Jim’s honor:

Friday, July 31

Viewing

6:00–7:30 p.m. MDT

Larkin Sunset Gardens

1950 East 10600 South Sandy, UT

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Saturday, August 1

Reception

9:00–9:30 a.m. MDT

St. Thomas More Catholic Church

3015 East Creek Road

Cottonwood Heights, UT

Memorial Service

9:30–10:30 a.m. MDT

St. Thomas More Catholic Church

Join by Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81681324540

Graveside Service

10:30-11:00

Larkin Sunset Gardens

1950 East 10600 South Sandy, UT

Flowers may be sent to Larkin Sunset Gardens.