James Warren Martindale

Jim Martindale, amazing husband and father to his wife Sylvia and son Robert, as well as friend to all he met, died on March 31, after a long battle with cancer. His was a life filled with love and adventure. Jim was born in New Mexico and traveled extensively before settling in Austin. Places he lived included: the Philippines; Alabama, Maryland, Ohio, and Texas. Jim was always up for fun and adventure. Whether traveling to places he enjoyed, such as Tokyo and Hong Kong; dancing on Swingtime (a 60’s TV dance show in San Antonio); or touring the United States on his motorcycle, Jim knew how to have a good time. In addition, he was passionate about the Spurs, MotoGP and Formula I racing, the Spurs, mathematics, physics, the Spurs, and music of all sorts. Politics were also a consuming interest. As a child Jim witnessed the Montgomery Bus Boycott firsthand. This event helped shape his strong personal and political beliefs, and as an adult, he considered himself a “Yellow dog Democrat.”

Jim attended the Universities of Houston and Texas. He enjoyed his time at UT and went on to work there until his retirement. During this time, he received the University of Texas President's Excellence Award. Retiring after 30 years of service allowed Jim to be a super dad to his young son Robert as he entered kindergarten. Years later Jim went to work for the Austin ISD Science and Health Resource Center.

Jim was married to Sylvia, the love of his life, for 30 years. Loyal partners in life and best friends is the best way to describe what they had together. Jim considered being a devoted husband to Sylvia and father to Robert his mission in life - in this he was most successful. Jim was a loyal friend and would not hesitate to go out of his way to help others. That is just the kind of person he was. Jim is survived by his wife Sylvia, son Robert, sister Carol Bataille, brother Robert Martindale, nephews Andres Bravo and Miguel Martindale, nieces Emma and Sara Bravo and Alison Kinney. He was preceded in death by his parents Col. Robert and Addie Martindale, and his sister Mary Fournie.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials honoring Jim’s life be made to charities whose work he supported, for example: the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, McDonald Observatory, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 22 at 5 p.m. Contact Nelda Bravo for more information at: [email protected]