Harrison Ross Mortuary

Message From Family

The family of Rev. James Martin would like to thank you for the many acts of loving-kindness shown to us during our bereavement. Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered.

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Reverend James Martin, affectionately known to family and friends as Jimmy, was born on February 10, 1937, in Oakland, Mississippi, to the late James McClodden and Josie Bell Luster. He spent his early childhood and young adult years in Mississippi.

Jimmy was a gifted singer with an anointed voice, who accepted Christ at a very early age. His gospel singing career started at home with his family.

Jimmy entered the U.S. Navy on September 8, 1955, but his passion for singing gospel music did not end there. While serving in the military, he joined the U.S. Navy Choir, where his gospel music ministry continued until he was honorably discharged on October 30, 1957.

From there, Jimmy experienced singing with some of the most anointed brothers in the field of gospel, that included; The Holy Light Quintet, The Mighty Golden Jubilees, The Dixie Wonders, The Sensational Wonders, The Rocks of Harmony, and The Golden Echoes, just to name a few. Jimmy recorded his first gospel album, â��The Life I Sing Aboutâ�� with The Golden Echoes.

Jimmy traveled and lived in many cities throughout the United States before relocating to Los Angeles, CA in 1967. He retired there after working several years for Uniroyal Tire Company where he received recognition as a loyal and dedicated employee. During his retirement, he was able to focus on his music and the work of the Lord, until his health made it impossible to do so. Jimmy was an ordained minister and a long time member of Double Rock Baptist Church in Compton, CA.

Jimmy loved his family. And his family loved him. He never missed a family function, and at every occasion, he was sure to be the life of the party. Jimmy was known for being well dressed, from head to toe, at all times, and will be forever remembered for always being the sharpest man in the room.

On Friday, March 29, 2019, Reverend James Martin was called home to be with the Lord. He leaves to cherish his memory; his daughters, Sherry Anderson (Carl), Los Angeles, CA and Yolonda Walker, Lancaster, CA; his adopted daughter, Barbara Ann Martin, Jackson, MS; sisters, Bertha Robinson, Cleveland, OH and Ruby Hardy, Jackson, MS ; brothers, Percy Luster (Anna Mae), Jackson, MS; Troy Luster (Helen), Jackson, MS; J.C.Luster, Los Angeles, CA; Roosevelt Luster, Jackson, MS; Charles Luster, Los Angeles, CA; Torthel McClodden (Terry), Sumter, South Carolina; Brockton McClodden, Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Antoine Singletary (Andrea), Jared Anderson, Los Angeles, CA; Olicer Walker IV, Nykiah Walker, Mykio James Walker, Lancaster, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James McClodden and Josie Bell Luster, his sons, Freddie Martin, and Jimmy Martin, Jr., his brothers; Freddie McClodden, Ollie Woodson and Ollie Luster, and his sisters, Bernice Luster and Betty Jean Luster.