"Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express." —Joseph Addison
John L. Martin, stalwart and beloved husband and father, fell asleep and awoke in Heaven on Sunday, December 19, 2021. He joins his wife of forty-nine years, Jeanne, and leaves behind their only child, Megan.
John believed that his greatest calling in life was to serve as protector and provider for his family. He began his journey as a protector by serving his country faithfully in the Vietnam War as a member of the Air Force. After returning home to the country he deeply loved, he began a thirty year career in the airline industry for Delta Airlines, toughing out snowy winters in Indianapolis until finally being stationed in Greensboro. It was in Greensboro, while visiting his aunt and uncle, that he literally met the girl next door who captured his fancy. John got up the courage to ask Jeanne out on a date as she sat on her parents' porch swing with curlers in her hair. The rest was Martin family history.
John's work ethic was second to none. He never took sick days and would always go into work on holidays and in inclement weather to make sure flights left Greensboro safely and on time. His work ethic paid off as he was able to buy a brand new house for his wife and newborn baby and provide piano lessons, pretty dresses, fun family vacations and everything else his daughter's heart desired. He was there for recitals and spelling bees, opening nights at the theatre and open houses at school. John was always proud to be a 'girl dad'.
One of the most profound memories Megan has of her father is the day she left to travel and study in Ireland. She was excited about the adventure to come and never considered that it might be hard for her parents to let her go. John flew with Megan to Atlanta to put her on her international flight; she kissed him on the cheek, shouted 'Love you Daddy' and ran off to board her plane. But she turned around one last time to wave goodbye and saw her father, who rarely shed tears, crying with his face in his hands. Megan realized that this moment was as significant for her father as it was for her. John knew that his little girl would be an ocean away, and he would not be able to protect her in the same way he always had. His role in her life was changing.
What John didn't fully understand is that he was always with his daughter, no matter where she lived and traveled. He raised her to be a good citizen, a kind and respectful person, to always do the right thing even when it would be easier not to, and to never shy away from an honest day's work. John's stoicism in the face of adversity was always one of his best qualities, and one that his daughter has tried to emulate in her own life.
John was the embodiment of still waters running deep. People might have thought he was reserved, but as they got to know him, his droll wit and sense of humor would win them over, as well as his tender heart. For there was no strange dog or cat he would not try to befriend, and the Martin family dogs were always found cuddling with their 'Poppy'. Not every family is blessed to have a father like John L. Martin, a man who never broke promises to his wife and daughter and who was always present for them. Ultimately, John's legacy won't be about money made or monuments built. It will be about the life he created with Jeanne and their daughter, one that was filled with great love, laughter and so much joy. It is a legacy that John's daughter will be honored to carry on as her father rests in God's perfect peace.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue or Carolina Boxer Rescue.
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