I met Marty and Deb when I got my very first apartment in the late 80s. They were my first adult friends. Instantly clicking with them.  An extension of love and light just like family. He was a big brother. Marty always had a smile as big as Texas. He loved a get together with people he loved. We celebrated together, cried together. He was someone you could trust. Someone you could call.  We lost touch for years due to life and I moved from Texas. In recent years I found them, knocked on their door and that smile greeted me. I'm a bit of a loner, so I discovered he was gone late. I will never forget Juan Marty Martinez, my big brother. I am grateful we got to spend time together. My deepest condolences to all who loved him.

Juan was unshakably loyal to his family. If there were ever a true need or family emergency, he would roll up his sleeve, open up his heart, and the detail, well, they would just have to be worked out later. A few stories. When I was junior or senior in high school, it was one of my last performances in the Jazz band.  I don’t recall my parents ever attending any of these performances. Well, Juan more than made up for that. During one of my solos, as people were respectfully sitting still enjoying the performances, Juan jumped over chairs, took pictures, and screamed several times, GOOD JOB JAMES!!!!  Although that solo would only last 30-40 seconds, his love and enthusiasm for his younger brother fit snugly in my heart 40 years later.  We all have had to do our time in Junction City, KS. I needed to get out.  And as you know, Juan’s MO when there was an urgent family need.  Juan, Debbie, and Kathy graciously drove me out of the city to my dorm room as a Rite of Passage.  My last story, and probably the most impactful, is sitting in a church basement next to what was once a house where it all began for us siblings, cousins, grandmother, aunts, etc. We are sitting in a rectangle discussing the fate of my mom, Marie Proutt.  Suddenly losing her husband, her options were few.  As tensions enlarged, so did Juan’s heart.  There was, well, a true family need.  Well…. the details would just have to be worked out later as his heart leaped and his mouth rocketed the fateful words.  To the shock and amazement, even to his wife, Debbie, Mom….you’re going to live with me!  The room became shockingly quiet.  And that was that.  For years, Juan’s dedication, even during very tense and challenging moments, which is another story altogether, and his loyalty to Mom remained focused, undaunted, and loving until his responsibility was over.   Well, with Juan, it never was completely over, which is another story as well. He was never fully appreciated for the level of sacrifice.

 Uncle Juan's life might be over physically, but it is never over spiritually.  He gave his service to his country and his wife.  He gave Love and Laughter to his family.  God was his coach in the beginning and he is now sitting at the right hand of fellowship to God and living his new life in Heaven;  the best reward we can all hope to achieve.  
In Jesus Name
Elder Dr. Edmond Kelly and Family

My condolences to the  Martinez/Jackson  Family on the loss of your brother/brother in law..  Please accept the flowers  sent for the Memorial Services as we were not able to attend the services.
  RIHP - Juan Martinez  Jr.

Bill Pogue and Family



Lord God, don't forget me in my old age.  Please don't ignore me when my strength fails  and when I am weak.  Listen to my prayers still when I pray about it...  And I will thank The Holy Spirit for the strength and comfort when all my  battles are won.  For my final victory is in believing and trusting in My Lord Jesus Christ.

RIHP my brother....   missing you forever in my heart.

Roland

Thanks for the cowboy hat, boots, and belt.  I still wear them today and think of you.  Sharing our 10th wedding anniversary with my Bro

Earl

Memories of Blue Beard's Castle and St. Thomas.   Our best childhood years.  
Roland

Heartfelt sadness.   Missing those phone conversations already...    
 Martinez Brothers and Earl

OBITUARY

Juan Nichols Martinez Jr.

12 June, 1954 – 31 March, 2023

Brookside Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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