James D. Martin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James D. Martin of Oak Hill on January 27, 2026.

Born in Quispamsis, July 1951, Jim was the son of the late Paul and Marguerite “Peggy” (Buckley) Martin.  He was an avid outdoorsman from an early age, spending endless hours hunting, fishing, and trapping with his father and siblings.

His love of the outdoors eventually led Jim to study Science at UNB Fredericton leading to a career with Fisheries and Oceans at the New Brunswick Biological Station in St Andrews as a Field Marine Research Biologist and diver, specializing in studies of salmon and shellfish.

Early in his career Jim settled in Waweig where he raised his family until his move to Oakhill where he and Nancy made countless precious memories renovating, gardening and just enjoying life together.

Jim had a quiet, peaceful, warm presence that naturally drew people in and made them want to sit, chat and just spend time with him. He was generous of his time and talents, always the first to lend a hand wherever he could. His gardens and craftmanship reflected his deep belief that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing it well.

Anyone who knew Jim knew his true love was everything nature. His passion for hunting, fishing, and trapping went far beyond the activities themselves- he was determined to learn everything he could about the species, the methods and the history behind them, his knowledge and deep respect for nature was evident by the countless times he was called upon for advice by those who knew him. He passed on his enthusiasm for hunting and fishing to his nephews and nieces, often including them in his many hunting excursions and lugging them by the boatload out for a fish in the Bay of Fundy.

He was an active member in many organizations, past President of the NB Trappers Association and held an executive position with the NB Wild Turkey Association. Jim was best described as a Master Trapper and continued to mentor many youths and newcomers to the sport. He was a member of the Pennfield Skeet and Trap Club, holding provincial championships in NB, NS and PEI.

Upon his retirement, Jim continued to live out his passion for the outdoors travelling worldwide with many friends, his brothers and even convincing Nancy to join him on a couple of fishing trips to Newfoundland.

Jim had a gift for knowing what needed to be done and making sure it happened, quietly and calmly, without fanfare or any need for recognition, his presence was subtle, although his impact undeniable. But perhaps his greatest gift was the simple genuine manner in which he lived his life with those he loved.

Jim will be forever missed by his loving wife, Nancy McMorran. He will also be missed by his sons Mike and Caleb, stepson Brendan (Jamie), brothers, Mike (Rose), Dean (Kathy), sisters, Pat Bielli, Lynn Sparks (Sean) Judy Martin, Paula Cullinan (Brian), sisters in law, Jane King, Wilma Dionne (Bill), Alice Tingley (Jim), Barbara Holmes (Andy), brother in law, Roger (Lisa), numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brothers-in-law John Bielli, David Henry, Daniel McLaughlin and mother-in-law Inez McLaughlin.

Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral service will be held at The S.O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home Ltd., 23 Main Street, St Stephen, N.B. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 2 PM. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 12- 2 PM.

For those who wish, donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Oak Hill Hall or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at mehanfuneralhome.ca