John Francis Martin

John Francis Martin, age 85, of Suwanee, GA, passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2018.   Born on December 31, 1932 in Annapolis, Maryland, to Irene and John Martin, he attended St. Mary’s High School.  He was awarded the St. Mary’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1996.

John graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Journalism.  While attending the University, he was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa for his service and contributions to the University; Pi Delta Epsilon, an honorary journalism fraternity; The Gate and Key Society and was selected to appear in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.  He was a member of his beloved fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega, served as Interfraternity Council President, and as VP of the Student Government Association. He acted as Sports Editor for the student newspaper, The Diamondback, M Book and Terrapin -  Go Terps!!  Upon his graduation, he was honored with The H. C Byrd Men’s Citizenship award for outstanding male Senior.

In 1954, John entered the U.S. Air Force through the University’s ROTC program, where he served as a navigator of cargo transports during the Korean War.  He also taught Celestial Navigation. First son, John, was born in Michigan during his tour of duty.  Upon his discharge, he had achieved the rank of Captain.

While John launched his IBM career of 32 years, daughter Gale and son Charles were born as he ‘moved’ through the ranks – Gale in Washington, D.C. and Charlie in Larchmont, NY. Over the years, he received numerous sales awards, including qualifying as an officer of the IBM 100% Club. He was also selected by upper management to participate in an accelerated MBA program, while working, and graduated with honors from Pace University. He became Director of Sales Compensation and was working as a management liaison to the Legal profession when he retired.  After his IBM retirement, he owned and operated John Martin and Associates, a Sales Management Consulting firm with wife Kathleen.

John loved playing golf and the fun at the19^th hole. He served as a member and Chair of the Men’s Golf Association at Laurel Springs Golf Club in Suwanee, GA, and as Chairman of the Board.  He was very involved in promoting Men’s Senior Golf. He and his wife, Kathleen, helped inaugurate the Couples League and co-chaired that committee.

Favorite vacations were at the Golf Course, Beach or exploring new and interesting International travel destinations.

Past times were many and varied - dark room photography, reading, Bridge, music and dancing, all Sporting Events, especially March Madness and the ACC, the beach, river cruising, fabulous food and wine - an endless list of interests. He and nephew Joe were working diligently on the Family Tree as one of his fondest recent projects.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Francis Martin, and Irene Armiger Martin; siblings, Louise, Joseph and Girard.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Martin; children, John Holt Martin, Alethea Gale Lewis, and Charles Girard Martin; grandchildren, Sean Patrick Martin, Justin Robert Martin, John Francis Martin, III, Henry Scott Lewis and Tristan Holt Lewis; along with many other loving relatives and friends.

 John was of the Roman Catholic faith.  A Celebration of Life memorial mass will be held Friday, June 15, 2018 at Noon at St. Brendan’s the Navigator Catholic Church in Cumming, GA with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Maryland Alumni Association.

Make checks payable to: University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc.

Reference the Alumni Association as the fund in memory of John Martin, class of ‘54

Mail checks to:

University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc.

Office of Gift Acceptance

4603 Calvert Road

College Park, MD 20742

Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming is in charge of arrangements. 

Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.