Jess C. Martin Jr.

Jess Martin Jr., age 99, passed away in Kalamazoo on November 28, 2025. He was born in Chicago, IL, on July 24, 1926, the son of the late Jess Martin Sr. and Phyla Cook. Jess grew up in the Chicago area and after graduating high school attended Michigan State University. He would remain a Michigan resident and began his career. Jess had an entrepreneurial spirit and throughout his life was the owner and operator of several businesses both in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. Throughout his career he made many friends and business acquaintances. When not working he enjoyed woodworking and other hobbies. He was united in marriage to Mary (Phillipps) Martin who preceded him in passing in 2014. Above all, Jess enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be missed by those who loved him. Jess is survived by three children, Laura (John) Caskey, Kim (Pam) Martin, Lee Martin; step-children, Jim (Kristen) Nolin, Peter (Jennifer) Nolin, Martha Nolin; seven grandchildren, Sarah (Scott) Gardner, Brooke (Chris) Farmer, Amy Bays, Mary Jo (Greg) Archer, Jon Martin, Austin (Kara) Caskey, Alison Caskey; extended family and friends. He was also preceded in passing by daughter, Joellen Oster; grandsons, McClain Oster, Tim Samson, Ben Martin; sister, Phyla Morton.