Jason R. Martinez

Jason was born on February 3, 1982 in Livingston, New Jersey to Luis and Concetta Martinez. At the age of 4, Jason and his family relocated to Sussex County where he was raised, attended Frankford Twsp and High Point, and received his diploma from Wilkes-Barre, PA. In 2003 Jason moved to Broomfield, Colorado where he enlisted in the U.S. Army. For the next eight years, Jason’s courageous determination earned him many medals, badges, and awards. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal twice, the Army Achievement Medal twice, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, and Air Assault Badge. To say Jason proudly and bravely served his country as a decorated Sergeant would be an understatement.

After Jason’s honorable discharge from military service, he became very involved with various veteran associations, openly accepting any opportunities to provide help to those in need. He was deeply passionate about providing a safe space for veterans with PTSD and substance-use issues and was working toward creating his own group therapy program. Jason is remembered for his selfless nature, never turning away anyone who needed help, even if it meant sacrificing his own well-being.

Jason was an avid practitioner of Martial Arts from an early age. He practiced KoeiKan Karate under his father, Sensei Luis Martinez, and later was very interested and active in Mixed Martial Arts.

Jason was an avid historian of World War I and World War II, amassing countless books and knowledge throughout the years. He was also a big horror enthusiast and loved watching horror movies, anything to do with paranormal activity, and he especially enjoyed visiting Blairstown as the origin and birthplace of Jason Voorhees. Jason’s favorite holiday was Halloween, and this past October 2023 he and his mother, Connie, spent time together at the Pumpkin Fest in upstate New York. He had an impressive collection of comic books and the entire collection of the Goosebumps series, and was also a super-fan of South Park. Besides collecting all types of South Park memorabilia, he could practically recite any episode by heart. Beyond his many collections and past-times, Jason was an avid outdoorsman and appreciated long nature walks along Old Mine Road, hiking in the Walpack area, target shooting, and he dreamed of one day hiking the entire Appalachian Trail.

Jason is survived by his parents, Connie and Luis Martinez; his sisters, Genevieve Martinez and Tayanna Lawlor (Frank); his nephews Frankie Lawlor (Tanner Randazzo), Nate Lawlor, and Justin Lawlor (Tia Berwaldt and son Skyler); and his former spouse April Cannode.

A visitation for Jason will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm at Wood Funeral Home, 16 Main St, Branchville, NJ 07826.

Memorial contributions in Jason’s honor may be made to the New Jersey Veterans Network, 3 Bond Dr, Union, NJ 07083; or to Semper Fi & America's Fund, 825 College Blvd, suite 102, PMB 609 Oceanside, CA 92057. Direct links to make a donation online is available below.

Condolences to Jason’s family may be offered below.