James (Jim, Marty, or Tapa) Francis Martin Jr., 85, a longtime resident of Holliston, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, April 6, 2024. A day after the Great New England Hurricane of 1938, Jim was born in Brighton, Massachusetts, the son of James F. Martin and Margaret (Daley) Martin. He was the beloved husband of 63 years to Alyce (Dandaneau) Martin.
Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston College and his MBA from Babson College. He worked in international finance at General Motors and Polaroid. Jim was happiest at the annual Martin family reunion at Stage Neck Inn in York, Maine, that started small and over twenty-plus years grew to 21 people as the children married and then started families of their own. He was an active parishioner and served as a lector at St. Mary’s Church for many years.
Jim will be best remembered for his infectious smile and warm persona. With a quick wit, Jim was always ready with a “dad joke” and easily served up cringe-worthy puns. He especially enjoyed serving as a foil to his grandchildren, making it fun for each to learn and stand up for themselves as he always challenged them to do right and be bright. With his deep Boston roots, “Mahty” was a friend to all who met him, always ready to offer a beer and eager to enjoy a hot dog and some wings at TJ’s in Ashland with long-time friends. Jim wore his heart on his sleeve whenever his beloved BC Eagles, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox performed well (or poorly). He also became the biggest fan of all teams who played for each of the schools his kids and grandkids attended, and had a respective school logo sweatshirt collection to prove it. He was always on the side of the ones he loved.
And the one he loved most is his wife, Alyce. During their 63 years married, he made clear to her and all who would listen how important she was in his being able to lead a good life. She gave him the family and love that he treasured more than anything in the world. She made him his best self.
In addition to Alyce, Jim is survived by his children Suzanne Raffalli and her husband John of Pleasantville, NY; James F. Martin III and his wife Sharon of Westminster, SC; Michelle Tiernan and her husband Gene of East Norwalk, CT; Joseph Martin and his wife Brenda of Georgetown, SC; and his nine grandchildren, Rachel, Mary Alyce, Sam, Kathleen, Jack, Ben, Henry, Patrick, and Matt. He is also survived by his brother John Martin of North Fort Myers, FL and William Martin of Brighton, MA. He is predeceased by his sister Marie (Martin) Babbin and his brother Kevin Martin.
There will be no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 13th at 9:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church in Holliston. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Holliston (https://stmarysholliston.com/) or the Holliston Pantry Shelf (https://www.hollistonpantryshelf.org/).
McCarthy McKinney Lawler Funeral Home