James Dale Martin

March 22, 1944 - June 19, 2022

James Dale Martin, 78, of Benton, Missouri died Sunday, June 19, 2022 at his home. He was born March 22, 1944 in Cairo, Illinois to William Ray and Agatha McDaniel Martin. He and Tamara Wachter were married May 24, 1989 at Jackson, Missouri. Jim was a graduate of Charleston High School. He was a meat cutter, starting with IGA, 25 years at National, then with Town & Country and retired from Food Giant in 2006. He loved to run marathons. He ran the Boston Marathon in 1980. He started the Cape Road Runners. After retirement, he enjoyed helping raise his grandkids, gardening and loved meeting people. Survivors include his wife, Tamara Martin of Benton; son, Michael (Jessica) Martin of Scott City; three daughters, Theresa (Scott) Littrell of Scott City, Kimberly Martin and Cabrina Martin of Jackson; brother, Dennis Martin of Arizona; four sisters, June (Landis) Williams of Benton, Cathy Martin of Cape Girardeau, Trudy Knupp of Missouri, and Sue Polk of Illinois; two sisters-in-law, Dolly Martin of Charleston and Tina Perdue of Cape Girardeau; niece, Nikia Langston of Cape Girardeau; five grandchildren, Trevor Martin, Trenton Martin, Tegan Bell, Landon Littrell and soon-to-be, Amelia Littrell. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Tommy Martin. Friends may call 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. Funeral Service will be at 7:00 pm Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau with the Rev. Barry Pfansteil officiating. Ford and Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn are in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.