Jimmy Martin, 77, of Newport News, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026, surrounded by his family. Jimmy was a graduate of Newport News High School, served in the Army, and received a BS in biology from CNU. After retiring from Verizon, he founded and owned Martin Telecommunications.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Danny and Christine Martin, and his son, James Douglas Martin. He is survived by his wife, Patsy, and his siblings, David Martin and Tammy George (Jimmy), his nieces and nephews, as well as his sister-in-law, Betsy Davis (Ron). Jimmy had many friends that he loved dearly and enjoyed hanging out with them.
He was a man after God’s own heart and a discipler of many. Jimmy served as an elder for many years at Coastal Church Yorktown. He played basketball and softball, building many lifelong friendships along the way. Jimmy loved traveling with his wife, Patsy, and close friends, Carol and Alastair Geddes, including international mission trips and adventures around the world. He especially enjoyed time on any beach. Nothing brought him greater joy than following Jesus Christ, whom he loved.
The family thanks the dedicated doctors and nurses at Riverside Cancer Center and Riverside Regional Medical Center, as well as Dr. Eugene Link, for their loving care and skill in caring for Jimmy.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Coastal Church Yorktown. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Coastal Church endowment fund, 101 Village Parkway, Yorktown, VA 23693.
are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.
10 Comments
My heartfelt sympathy for Patsy and family.
Love and prayers,
Sincerely,
Linda (Sills) Starnes
NNHS Class of 1966
Uplifting you Patsy for GOD’s peace and comfort to overwhelm you as you mourn the loss of your Soul mate,
Jimmy. Sorry we are away during your time of sorrow but know you are heavy on our hearts. LOVE and missing you Dear Friend!
Very sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. What a great guy! Always positive and calming demeanor. Our condolences to Pastsy and the family.
Patsy, Every time I went to Costco, I looked for you and Jimmy having lunch. I always thought so much of you and Jimmy and am so sorry for your loss. God Be With You.
Patsy , I am so sorry for your loss.Jimmy was a wonderful and very kind person.He will be missed by many.Continued prayers for you and your family.Love Vicki
Patsy, We were very sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. You two had many amazing years together, what a blessing. Our deepest condolences to you & your family.
Patsy, We were very sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. You two had many amazing years together, what a blessing. Our deepest condolences to you & your family.
Patsy, my heart goes out to you. I’m praying for you and sending you love and hugs.💕
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Growing up in our community, it felt like all of us were woven into the same fabric — delivering newspapers before sunrise, playing Little League and Pony League, walking the same school halls, and later working in the local industries that shaped our lives. Through every one of those stages, Jimmy stood out. He carried himself with a steady, genuine character that earned respect without ever asking for it. He was the kind of person who made our community feel close‑knit and grounded.
To Patsy and the entire family, please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Jimmy will be remembered with warmth, respect, and gratitude by everyone who shared those early years and the many chapters that followed.
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Patsy Paul and I both are so sorry to hear about Jimmy. We will always carry great memories with you guys. May God give you peace.