Visitation for World War II veteran Jim ‘Pee Wee’ Martin’s funeral set for today

GREENE COUNTY — Memorial services have been set for Jim “Pee Wee” Martin, Greene County native and World War II veteran.

Martin died on Sunday at the age of 101, according to a post on his personal Facebook page.

A visitation is scheduled at the Sugar Valley Golf/Country Club located on 1250 Mead Road in Bellbrook on September 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a celebration of life service at 7:15 p.m. Memorial services for Martin will be held there, a post on his Facebook page stated.

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On September 21, an escort to the VA for burial will take place at 9 a.m. The escort will begin at the Sugarcreek Administration Building on 2090 Ferry Road.

Martin was a paratrooper in World War II, including on D-Day. He served in the 101st Airborne Division and was a member of the “Screaming Eagles.”

He was one of the first Allied soldiers to infiltrate Nazi-occupied France. In addition to the invasion of Normandy, Martin also parachuted in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands and the Battle of the Bulge.

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Martin celebrated his 101st birthday on April 29th. People traveled to Greene County from across the area, state, and even country for the chance to line up and get a photo and chat with him.

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Martin gave some advice for living a long, fulfilling life.

“We take life for granted but every day is precious. It’s a gift from somebody. Don’t use your life to try to get ahead. Use it to make other people happy. Always be optimistic. When you’re always optimistic you’re going to enjoy life a great deal more,” he said.

We will continue updating this story.

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