Jack was born November 15, 1939, and entered West Point from Virginia. Even though he battled the academic departments throughout his cadet days, his determination, enthusiasm, and friendly nature enabled him to beat them. He retired in 1982 after a successful career in the Signal Corps. Jack had not been in good health recently suffering from diabetes which affected his eyesight.

The Class of 1961 sends its warmest condolences to the entire Martin family. Personal expressions of sympathy may be sent to the Martin family at 3195 Sycamore Lane, Marietta, GA 30066.

"And when our work is done,
Our course on earth is run,
May it be said 'Well done;
Be thou at peace.' "

Well done, Jack. Rest in peace!

Mike Eggleston '61

Obituaries:

Assembly/Taps Memorial Article:

Jack McConnell Martin, friend, classmate, and  61st member of the Class of '61 to join the departed ranks of the Corps, lived and served his country as the embodiment of USMA's traditions of "Duty, Honor, Country". Jack's smile and sense of humor, along with his contagious laughter, were an encouragement to all who knew him.

Jack M. Martin, the oldest of four children, was born in Kingsport, TN, to John Gray and Ina Elizabeth Johnson Martin. The son of a police officer, Jack grew up in Ft. Blackmore, VA.  Early encouragement from Jack's mother was instrumental in stirring his desire to attend West Point.

Jack entered the Academy as a young 17-year-old with resolute determination and a clear concept of truth and honor.  Jack struggled with academics all four years and learned the value of perseverance.  Through a classmate's invitation, Jack attended Officers' Christian Fellowship (OCF) cadet Bible study and came to receive Christ, an event that significantly impacted his life as well as his family and friends.  As an upperclassman, Jack believed that demeaning a person's dignity or self-respect was unnecessary to achieve the highest standards of training.  That early development of Jack's leadership style served him well in future positions of increasing responsibility.  During June Week 1961, another significant event occurred as Jack fell deeply in love with his future wife, Joan.

Following graduation, Jack attended the Signal Basic Course at Ft. Monmouth, NJ. Before his first assignment to the 51st Signal Battalion in the Republic of Korea, Jack completed Airborne and Ranger training at Ft. Benning, GA.  Next, Jack was stationed with the 501st Signal Battalion at Ft. Campbell, KY.  In April 1964, he married Joan Marcia Glass in Kingsport, TN. In 1965, Jack returned to Ft. Monmouth for the Signal Advanced Course and the birth of son David William.  The Martins next traveled to Washington, DC, where Jack served in the Office of Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence at the Pentagon and second son Andrew John was born.  In 1968, Jack was assigned to duty in Viet Nam with the 69th Signal Battalion. The following year, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk, VA.

In 1972, Jack earned an MBA from the University of Alabama, where his third son, Daniel Carl, was born, and returned to Ft. Monmouth for duty with Army Electronics Command. In 1974, Jack assumed command of the Communications Command Safeguard Complex in Nekoma, NO. In 1976, Jack returned to West Point to serve as Executive Officer of the Corps of Cadets, 4th Regiment, the Office of the Commandant, and Assistant Deputy Post Commander. Three years later, in 1979, Jack was selected to command the 4th Battalion, 3rd Basic Training Brigade, Ft. Dix, NJ. Jack's final assignment was with U.S. Army Communications Command-Western Command, at Ft. Shafter, HI, where he served as Chief, Plans and Operations Division and Deputy Commander until his retirement in July 1982.  Jack's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army General Staff Badge, the senior parachutists badge, and the Ranger tab.

After retirement, Jack and his family relocated to San Jose, CA, where Jack was principal of a Christian elementary school.  In 1983, the Martin family moved to Marietta, GA, where Jack became Administrator for Marietta Christian Schools. During 1984-93, Jack was Senior Project Manager at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations in Atlanta, GA.

Jack also invested himself in several interests outside his career. He joined OCF as a cadet and had the opportunity to lead the cadet ministry while assigned to USMA and serve as an OCF representative at several other posts.  Jack and Joan actively participated in Gideons International.  Jack completed graduate work in Christian Education and also was active in Sons of the American Revolution. Jack taught many Bible classes and counseled many young adults, West Point cadets, and young Army officers.

Family was a high priority in Jack's life.  From his sons' earliest years, Jack challenged them to be stalwart competitors in athletics and academics.  Most importantly, Jack shared with his sons his faith in God. Jack's deep love, commitment, counsel, and encouragement instilled a legacy of courage, confidence, discipline, and moral character in his sons' lives. Jack and Joan were thankful for the gift of 34 years of marriage. Their life purpose was to exhibit a godly lifestyle, magnify and exalt God within their circle of influence, be good stewards of the resources entrusted to them, and convincingly pass their faith in Christ to the next generation. Jack's life reflected many of the principles articulated in the cadet prayer, "To live above the common level of life, to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong," and to be loyal "to all that is noble and worthy".

Jack's courage and steadfastness during his last five years served as an inspiration to many. Jack succumbed to a stroke in June 1998 in Marietta, GA, after celebrating his granddaughter's fourth birthday.  Deeply missed, we give thanks for this wise leader who impacted so many. In honor of Jack, we echo the comments made about the great Christian leader, John Calvin, at his death, "Life will be less sweet and death will be less bitter".  Jack is survived by his wife Joan; sons and daughters-in-law--David and Frieda, Andrew and Evangelina, and Daniel and Joy; grandchildren--Sarah, David, Jr., and Anna; mother Ina; and siblings--Linda, Kay, and John Gray.  Jack joins two other grandchildren already at home with the Lord. Jack's grave marker speaks of his faith and hope in Jesus Christ, simply stating, "Absent from the body, present with the Lord".  Jack is now at rest serving the one he loved, studied, and taught about for so much of his life.

His wife Joan, sons David '88, Andrew '90, and Daniel
and classmates Alan Lubke and Gordon Ericksen

MARCH / APRIL 2000 ASSEMBLY

Jack was an absolutely great person. We both entered the Signal Corps after graduation from USMA in June of 1961. In those days over 50 years ago, we tolerated classes at the Signal School at Fort Monmouth while we enjoyed the New Jersey beaches and New York City on the weekends. My respect for Jack Martin grew the more that I discussed with him the war, the Army and where we would go from there. We all miss you Jack and I guess we'll see you soon.

Best wishes. Mike Eggleston