James David Martin

Dr. James David Martin, 81, of Omaha died Monday, March 7, in his home. He was born Nov. 16, 1934, in Harrison to Festus Harlen Martin and Bernice Villines Martin. He married Amanda Jorene (Jody) McAlister on Jan. 20, 1952, at Harrison. He was a member of the Church of Christ, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. David graduated from Valley Springs High School in 1952. At Valley, he devoted much time to the FFA Chapter serving as President and winning many honors including the Joe P. Robinson Speaking Award. After high school, David planned on attending Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa, where he was accepted into the pre-veterinary program. While in Iowa he was employed by the INS. After much consideration, he chose to attend Arkansas Tech University and to major in pre-med. Following Tech, he attended the University of Little Rock to complete his pre-med major. David was accepted into the University of Arkansas Medical School. While attending UAMS, he served as the editor of the Medico, the student newspaper, and he received first prize in the New England Journal of Medicine's annual nationwide essay competition for his essay on "The Use of Serum Chloride in the Diagnosis of Hyperparathyroidism." Upon his graduation from medical school in 1966, David interned at St. Vincent's Infirmary, graduating in June of 1967. Following his internship, he served two years in the Reserve Corps Public Health Service as he Senior Assistant Surgeon in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He continued his medical career as a General Practitioner for many years after leaving the Reserve Corp. Upon retiring from private practice, David continued to provide medical care to his family and many friends until his passing. Though a physician by trade, David loved animals and cared for many during his life. As a young boy, he raised and showed cattle. With Jody by his side, they managed a livestock operation their entire lives. Both had an acute knowledge of cattle and enjoyed nothing more than checking the cattle together. David was also an accomplished writer, interim Editor of the Harrison Daily Times, and is credited with many articles in a variety of media. He is survived by his children, David Edward Martin and is wife Karen of Springdale, Becky Martin (Mike Epperson) of Elkins; grandchildren, Amanda Hathorn and husband Justin of Springdale, Taylor Fugitt and husband Billy of Springdale, Allyson Martin and fiancé Bo Renner of Fayetteville; great-grandchildren, Tayson and Tristen Hathorn of Springdale, Joe Fugitt of Springale; mother, Bernice Martin of Harrison; sister, Ann Sharp (Hal Condara) of Houston, Texas; brothers, John Martin (Peggy Henson) of Harrison, Don Martin and his wife Jeanne of Rudy; sisters-in-law, Myrna Martin (FH Martin) of Fayetteville, Mickey McAlister (Mike McAlister) of Springfield, Mo; nephews, Dr. Larry Sharp and his wife Jerie of Jacksonville, Fla., Doug Martin and his wife Amy of Fayetteville, John Martin and his wife Lynette of Harrison, Jim Martin and his wife Tonya of Harrison, Jay Martin and his wife Andrea of Alpena, Joe Don Maritn and his wife Leadra of Harrison; Jeff Martin and wife Dee of Australia; nieces, Sheri Rieke and her husband Glen of Houston, Texas, Jennifer Haffner and her husband Jason of Fairhope Ala., Kim Butts and her husband Andrew of Sacramento, Calif., Kristy Belley and her husband Robin of Gilbert, Ariz., and Chris Reagan and husband Brian of Edmund, Okla. Plus, numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, wife, brother FH Martin, brothers-in-law, Mike McAlister, and Charlie Throneberry; sister-in-law, Nancy Throneberry, nephews, Greg Throneberry and Michael Lee McAlister; and niece, Patti Taylor. David was loved by many and will be missed by all. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 11, at Holt Memorial Chapel in Harrison. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Maplewood Cemetery.