James "Jim" Kevin Martin

James “Jim” Kevin Martin, 56, of Curryville, MO unexpectedly passed away at 9:49 p.m. Monday, July 23, 2018, at his home.

Graveside services will be held 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Curryville Cemetery.  Minister Adas’ Jacyna will officiate. A meal will be served following the service at the First Baptist Church multi-purpose building in Vandalia, MO.

The family is being served by the Waters Funeral Home of Vandalia.

Jim was born on May 25, 1962, in Quincy, IL the son of Bill and Sue Martin.

Survivors include his father and step-mother, James “Bill” William Martin and Anita of Quincy, IL; mother and step-father, Janet Sue Dillard and Ralph of Curryville, MO; children, Jacob “Jake” James Martin and fiancé Kaelyn Henderson of Curryville, MO, and Charissa Marie Martin and significant other Matt Yates of St. Louis, MO; previous wife, Cheryl Maas of Vandalia, MO; brothers-in-law, Richard Lane (Donna), Junior Lane (Tammy) and sister-in-law Teresa Carson (Jeff); step-brothers, Alan Cermak (Kathy) and Brian Cermak; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Helen Marie Claus and Lucille Byxbe Martin; step-grandmother, Carolyn Edwards Claus; grandfathers, Harry Claus and Frank H. Martin; mother and father-in-law, Clem and Shirley Lane; and brother-in-law, John Franklin Lane III.

A talented musician, Jim could play just about any musical instrument by ear.  He was well known throughout his life as an exceptional lead guitar player and singer/songwriter. Jim played lead guitar in several popular bands over the years, including Crosswinds, Overland Pass, Hit & Run, and Sugar Creek  

Jim earned an accounting certificate from John Wood Community College and was employed in sales and as a service writer for many years. Jim enjoyed the simple things in life, such as living in the country, gardening, reading western novels, the companionship of his dog Nibbles, and occasionally cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and his favorite NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon. Jim’s biggest love was the time he cherished with his children and family.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Martin, Matt Yates, Enos Schwartz, Lavon Schwartz, Jerry Malone, Donnie Walston, Gene Street and Doug Reeder.  Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Martin and Ralph Dillard.

Memorials may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses. Checks can be made payable to Waters Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made the family and video tribute viewed on Jim’s memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com