James “William” Martin, of Monticello, Fla., passed away on August 21, 2022 after a short illness. William embodied a "life well lived." He truly honored his many friends and his family. He was quick to help with a controlled burn of family farms or helping move friends’ furniture to their new home. And he always enjoyed telling stories with dear friends over chicken wings.
He loved stock car races, often traveling with friends to watch them live on the dirt tracks. Most of all he loved his Monticello. He was born in Blakely, Ga. and moved to Sebring, Fla. with his parents before they settled in Tallahassee in 1955.
He graduated from Leon High School and attended North Florida College in Madison, Fla.
William retired from the State of Florida, Department of Agriculture as a Fertilizer and Chemical Inspector.
He is predeceased by his parents; Catherine Hay and Hampton Martin; his stepfather, Art Hays; sister, Mary Martin Petee; wife, Kay Lamb Martin; and son, Jason Martin.
He is survived by his special love, JoAnn Demott; grandsons; Tyler and Jared Martin; Daughter-in-law, Jennifer Martin; sister, Sue Martin; and nieces, nephews, several cousins and a countless number of great friends. William was famous for his “William-isms.” Previous coworkers and friends repeat “let the hair go with the hide” and a litany of other funny phrases and colloquialisms that he wove into his entertaining stories.
Please join us for a celebration of a wonderful life, and bring your own “William-isms” and favorite stories to share. We will gather at the Monticello Women’s Club, located at 975 East Pearl Street, at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Chicken wings will be served. A graveside service will be held the following day, Thursday, September 1, at 10 a.m., at Oakfield Cemetery in Monticello. Arrangements by Beggs Funeral Home in Monticello, Fla.
