SALINAS, CALIF. – James Joseph Martins passed away peacefully on November 19, 2019. He was born to Frank and Marie (Ruda) Martins on June 9, 1931. He graduated from Salinas High School in 1949 where he met the love of his life, Sally Wilson. After eloping on July 9, 1949, on his father’s fishing boat, they honeymooned in close quarters as they enjoyed their journey to Mexico.
Settling into married life in Salinas, Jim worked for his mother-in-law Marguerite Wilson as a ranch hand, for Purity Grocery Store, Theil Hampton Realty, then became a real estate broker.
Jim proudly rode bulls, bareback horses and became a professional team roper winning two PRCA Gold Card World Championships heeling behind Pete Norris. He was honored to win the prestigious California Rodeo Gold Card Team Roping twice and Oakdale Rodeo once. He enjoyed each and every team roping partner, many becoming lifelong friends. He was an avid hunter and would rather spend his time outdoors. Passing this love to his children Kearney and Marguerite, and his grandchildren and great granddaughter.
He was a proud member of the California Rodeo Association, Native Sons of the Golden West, Salinas Elks Lodge, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Gold Card Member, ACTRA, WSTR, and a Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse Lifetime Member.
Jim was blessed with a green thumb and enjoyed gardening alongside Sally at the family cabin. He relished working cattle with his friends and family. He had a knack for words and rhymes until the very end. He brought great joy and love to all his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sally Anne Wilson Martins, son Michael Martins, father Frank Martins, mother Marie Martins, sister Marguerite (Marvin) Roberts, sister Tiny (Art) Rodgers, brother Frank (Lillian) Martins, brother Louie (Katharine-Lois) Martins, brother Bud (Mercedes) Martins, brother-in-law, Pete Renebome, daughter-in-law Gatha Phillips Martins.
He is survived by son Kearney (Leslie) Martins, daughter Marguerite (Clifford) Happy, granddaughter Mandy (Jason) Misner, grandsons Sean Happy, Ryan (Erica) Happy, great granddaughter Ireland Misner, brother Allen Martins, sister Joyce Renebome and numerous nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank his caregivers Kikue Palacio, Malena Rosales, Mosiana (Jane) Kanongataa, Mari Cruz Bramblia, Delma Canids, Cynthia Bramblina, VNA Hospice and Lifeline.
Rosary was November 26 at Struve and Laporte Chapel. Chapel blessing was November 27 at Struve and Laporte Chapel. Burial followed at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Salinas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to California Rodeo, Inc. P.O. Box 1648 Salinas, Ca 93902, Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse P.O. Box 1547 Salinas, Ca 93902 or to the charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.struveandlaporte.com