Jonathan Braxton “J.B.” Martin
March 12, 1937 – November 9, 2021
Funeral services for Jonathan Braxton “J.B.” Martin, 84, of Johns Creek, GA, are at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Springhill United Methodist Church, Whigham, GA. Dr. Ron McCaskill and Rev. David Hibberts will officiate. Interment will be in Springhill United Methodist Church Cemetery, Whigham, GA. Mr. Martin passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.
Active pallbearers will be Marty Bennett, James Mobley, Matthew Mobley, Stan Mobley, Huddie Harrell and Scott Davie.
Mr. Martin was born on March 12, 1937, in Whigham, GA, to the late Marshall Martin and Laura Burks Martin. After graduation from Whigham High School in 1955, he served his country in the United States Army. On April 3, 1960, he married his life-long love, Sara Mobley Martin. He was a devoted and loving husband for over 61 years and the most wonderful father and grandfather. His family, including many nieces and nephews all enjoyed his love of life, his gentleness and his wonderful sense of humor. His love for and faith in Jesus Christ was evident in his love and acceptance of all people and his compassion for those in need. He was humble and truly a gentlemen to all who knew him.
J.B. had a true love for the land and all of God’s creation and spent many hours tending his pecan orchard on his family farm in Whigham, GA. He enjoyed traveling and he and Sara took many wonderful trips together seeing different parts of the country and abroad. Reflecting his love of World War II history, their last trip abroad was to Germany and Poland to see historic war memorial sites.
He retired from the United States Geological Survey as a hydrologic technician after over 30 years of service. He was a member of Thomasville Road Baptist Church in Tallahassee where he served in several ministries and most recently attended Peachtree Corners Baptist Church, Peachtree Corners, GA. He was a member of Peachtree Corners Baptist Church Upper Class Lifegroup and a past member of the Kiwanis Club of Cairo.
Survivors include: his wife of 61 years, Sara Martin of Johns Creek, GA; children, Joni Ballard (Jerry) of Berkeley Lake, GA, Jill Smith (Alan) of Peachtree Corners, GA; and grandchildren, Cason and Cuyler Smith of Peachtree Corners, GA, Corey Ballard (Katie) of Seneca, SC, Carragan Ballard of Walhalla, SC and two great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, Jimmy Martin; and nephews, Gregory Martin and Michael Martin.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Martin’s memory to: Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch, P. O. Box 20000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064; or Springhill Methodist Church, P. O. Box 4, Whigham, GA 39897.
The family will receive friends at Springhill United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 13, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
