James Thayer "Jim" Martin Jr.

ROCKY MOUNT – James Thayer “Jim” Martin, Jr., age 84, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.  Jim was born on March 23, 1942.  He was the son of the late James T. Martin and Margaret S. Martin of Liberty, NC.

Jim graduated from Liberty High School in 1960, where he excelled academically and athletically.  He was on the football, basketball, and baseball teams and also a member of The Beta Club.  In 1964, he graduated from Wake Forest University with a Batchelor of Arts degree in Political Science.  In 1967, he graduated from Wake Forest University Law School.

Jim proudly served two years of active duty in the United States Army, primarily as an instructor in government procurement at the Army Logistics Management School in Fort Lee, VA.  Following his military service, Jim was appointed Deputy City Attorney for the City of Portsmouth, VA where he served for 18 years while in private practice and was later elected to the Portsmouth City Council.  Following a move to Rocky Mount, NC to be closer to family in 2005, Jim joined Poyner and Spruill LLP in Rocky Mount, NC.  Then in 2017, he established his own law firm where he continued to practice until his retirement in December 2024.

A man of deep faith and service, Jim was an active member of Lakeside Church where he faithfully served as deacon, Sunday school teacher and on numerous church committees.  He also served on the Nash Community College Board of Trustees.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Powell Martin; his stepdaughter, Jan Robillard and husband, Andrew, along with his grandchildren, Will and Mary Douglas Robillard, Lindy, Jack and Emory Pittman; his stepdaughter-in-law, Janie Mac Pittman; and a treasured member of the family, Alex Shirayev; numerous cousins; and his faithful companion, Annie.  He was preceded in death by his stepson, Jim Pittman.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Lakeside Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Dr. Libby Grammer, Dr. Elizabeth Edwards, and Dr. Jody Wright officiating.  Visitation will follow service in the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building.  A Private Family Inurnment Service will take place at the Columbarium at Lakeside Church following the visitation.

The family would like to say a special thanks for the loving care from Takia Boulware, Kelly Parker, and Karie Webb and the entire Nash UNC Health Care Hospice & Palliative Care team.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to Lakeside Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or Nash UNC Health Care Hospice & Palliative Care, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC  27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.