Sending you love and hugs
Kathleen Martin
In Loving Memory
James Martin
1943•2026
Listen
Recording of the Obituary
Obituary
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.
Tributes
My sincere sympathy for your loss. Thanks to the entire family for sending me Adrienne and for welcoming me into your home. A privilege to have met Jim and may his memory be for a blessing.
Belle Frank
My most recent memory of Jim was visiting him and Taunya at home -- we had such a beautiful lunch and conversation. It felt like we had always been family, and shared so much together. Jim met us at the door with a big smile and a welcoming hug. Of course, we talked a LOT about our shared children and grandchildren -- among our favorite topics!
Jenny Thomas
I enjoyed talking with Jim whenever our paths crossed and he was kind and welcoming when we were in your home. I will always remember the beautiful and heartfelt prayer he gave at Harper’s baptism.
Jessica Rhodus
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Jim’s family and to thank you for the lovely tribute you provided to him. He appears to have had a wonderful life and brought love and fun to those near and dear to him. I am not surprised since I had the good fortune of growing up with “Jimmy” in Deferiet as his next door neighbor. He was always the proverbial life of the party whose jokes, antics, teasing, and impersonations were welcomed everywhere. Jimmy and his brother Eddie and my brother Jack and I were an inseparable foursome for years. Since Jim was the oldest and I was the youngest in the group we invariably got teamed up together in everything– and often lost. But Jim also made sure we had a lot of fun and many laughs doing so. I am delighted he had such a fine family with whom he could share his joyful life.
Bob Hurley
We consider it a great blessing to have lived near Jim and Taunya and been friends for over 30 years. Whenever we spent time in their home, they dropped everything to let us know we are known, loved and cared about. Jim's amazing cooking always filled the air with delicious fragrance. He was truly a master cook that never tired of making delicious meals for his family. Taunya's warmth always made us feel at home. To Taunya and family, we send you our love and our deepest condolences. We love you and your family and pray angels to your side.
Don and Deanna Lambson
Condolences to all of Jim’s family
I graduated with Jim at Augustinian Academy in Carthage NY Jim was always the best fun and one of the nicest guys in our class. When I think of Jim I will always smile and remember how lucky we were to know him
Ann Souva Coleman
I offer sincere condolences to Taunya and your whole family, and to my cousin Mary. He built a beautiful family and life away from the “north country” of New York so it was understandable that our visits were few and seemed that I only got to see him at the funerals of his siblings but there was instant familial connection and love and laughter abounded when we were with him. That was his gift as attested by his beautiful obituary. My prayers are with you all.
Michael Woods
My deepest condolences to the entire Martin family. If the measure of a man is determined by the love and light his children bring into the world, then I know (through knowing Adrienne and Loren) that Mr. Martin was a man amongst me. I pray for strength for your family during this time, and that the peace that surpasses all understanding will wrap around you in the weeks and months to come.
Renata Hilson
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and love.
Carbetta Family
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