George Jerome Martin Jr.

George Jerome Martin Jr, 77, of Dallas, Texas passed away peacefully on February 26, 2022. He was born in Clinton, Iowa on November 15th, 1944. He spent his formative years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduating from Custer High School in 1962. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison before enlisting into the United States Marine as a reservist. After completion of his service, George met longtime business partner and close friend, Michael Zimmer while managing a reform school for at risk youth. In 1974, George and Michael formed a general partnership known as Settlement Investments. Over time the company encompassed all aspects of real estate development - from acquisition, rehabilitation and management to new construction and conversion of multi-family communities. In 1987 they launched Settlement Investments Management Corporation (SIMC) and shifted the company's focus to enhancing investors' value through strategic improvements and operational efficiencies. SIMC eventually became Valiant Residential. In addition, George was a successful developer of multi-family properties in H.E.B and condominiums on South Padre Island. He was an avid sport fisherman, fishing and winning various tournaments in his second home, Isla Mujeres, Mexico and along the Gulf Coast. Known for integrity, kindness and honesty, George will be missed by his many friends for his wit and off-color sense of humor. George was preceded in death by his parents Dr. George Jerome Martin, Sr. and Laverne Martin, and sister Sheryl Bailen. He is survived by son George Jerome Martin III, daughter-in-law Dawn Martin, and granddaughters Tess and Lilly Martin. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Kay Martin (Ken Wargin), Marcia McCarty (Michael), and brother-in law William Bailen, along with his beloved nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Coastal Conservation Association of Texas, Humane Society of Dallas County, or Wounded Warriors.