James Mickel Martin, 73, of Paragould, passed away at Baptist East in Memphis, TN, on December 14, 2022. He was born January 2, 1949, to the late Riley "Son" and Christna Dacus Martin.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Mary Howard Martin and John and Bertha Dacus; and infant brother.

James grew up in the Stanford community where he farmed and graduated from High School. After graduation, he was called to duty to serve in the Army. He was in Vietnam from 1969-1970 where he made lifelong friends. James returned to Stanford after the Army and went to work at Martin Sprocket & Gear. He met the love of his life in the fall of 1971. He asked her to marry him and share the rest of her life with him. They married July 1, 1972, and spent 50 years, 5 months, and two weeks together. Spending time with his family was his favorite thing to do. He would take the boys fishing or hunting, depending on the season. James farmed and worked at Emerson for 38 years before retiring. James spent the last years camping and fishing with his Aunt Judy and Uncle Chiger (Edie). They enjoyed camping in the Arkansas Campgrounds.

James leaves behind the love of his life, Carol Martin; sons, Jeff (Shea), Steve, Sam (Kasey); grandchildren, Justin, Annah, Matthew, Emily, Sadie; mother, Christna Martin, mother in law, Margaret Reeves; brothers, Charles Martin, Windell Martin; brothers in law, Danny, Kim, Marc (Loretta) Reeves; sister in law, Rosemary (Kenneth) Johnson; several nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 17, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Sunday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Evan Smith and Marc Reeves officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery.

David Reeves, Kyle Reeves, Cody Stewart, Greg King, Bryan Gray, and Gary Martin will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Jerry Lenderman, Brian Smith, Larry Martin, Jim Martin, Wayne Horne, and Kenneth Johnson.