James Martin

James “Jimmy” Emmitt Martin, age 87, formerly of Red River County passed away, Sunday, August 9, 2020, at Allegro Assisted Living in Plano.  James was born February 5, 1933, in Clarksville to Walter and Pearlie Wright Martin. 

James learned to play the piano at an early age.  While in high school during the 50’s, he and some friends formed a band and played at local parties and performed on the Clarksville and Paris radio stations.  It was during this time that he was recruited by the popular Tommie and Goldie Hill Band. While traveling and playing with them he performed on numerous occasions at the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, Louisiana with many well known entertainers.  In later years after he retired, he played piano at the Wylie Opry.  After he served in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1955, he resumed his music career for a while.  Soon after, he married Virginia Forsythe and they moved to Dallas where he eventually started his own construction company.  He and Virginia had 3 children. 

Jimmy married Claudine O’Quinn in 1976.  She preceded him in death.  Also preceding him in death are his parents; his daughter, Donna Lynn Bursen; and a brother, Donald Richard Martin.

Graveside service are set for 1:00 PM, Thursday, August 13, 2020, at Fairview Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are James Floyd Martin, Luke Martin, Jared Martin, Hunter Martin, Gary Phillips, Jr., John Ed Noe and John Richard Noe.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 12:40 PM Thursday at Clarksville Funeral Home. 

Survivors include his son, James Craig Martin of Wylie; his daughter, Jennifer Ramirez and husband, Noe of Glenn Heights; 2 sisters, Lucille Lollar of Clarksville and Cathy Phillips and husband, Gary of Clarksville; 3 brothers, Floyd Martin and wife, Mary Jo of Plano, Tommy Martin and wife, Diane of Clarksville and Charles Martin and wife, Mary of Clarksville; 10 Grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

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