James Walter Martin, 62 of Mount Pleasant died Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, at his home. He was born March 17, 1958, in Batesville, Arkansas, the son of Johnie Edward Martin and Reba Jo Stroud Martin Smith. He worked 26 years as a bus driver and maintenance worker for the Cushman School District and was currently employed as a bus driver for the Melbourne School District. He was a member of Barren Fork Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and his dogs. James was a gentle giant with a big heart and quietly helped many friends and acquaintances.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Denise Shaw Martin of the home; one brother, Dennis Martin and wife Renee of Batesville; his father and mother-in-law, Odell and Beverly Shaw of Mount Pleasant; two brothers-in-law, Brian Shaw (Pam) of Kansas City, Missouri and Lance Shaw (Pam) of Dallas, Texas; one sister-in-law, Barbara Powell (Mark) of Gilbert, Arizona; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Cushman. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service.
Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Jason Wood, Kerry Caraway, Casey Shaw, Brian Shaw, Jerry Arnold, and Ronnie Fulbright.
Honorary pallbearers are Rex Griffin, Ronnie McMahan, Leroy Shaver, Mark Powell, Doyle Wade, and Gary Garner.
