James Gayle Martin

James Gayle Martin was born on August 12, 1947, in Belleville, Illinois, to Gayle and Eldora Martin. His family moved to San Antonio, TX, when Jim was 11. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering in 1971 (Hook ’em Horns!), and became a professional engineer. His career included designing buildings throughout San Antonio, managing facilities and operations for several school districts, and overseeing school construction and remodeling at Northeast, Judson, and Northside I.S.D.s. He was honored to be the namesake of one of Northside I.S.D.’s schools, Jim G. Martin Elementary. Jim passed peacefully on May 28, 2026.

Though a dedicated professional, Jim prioritized faith, family, and friends. He was a lifelong Methodist; a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather; and a good friend to many. He had a sonorous voice and sang in church choirs for most of his life. He loved model trains, Longhorn football, visiting the children and staff at his namesake school, and golfing with friends. He was young at heart, mischievous at times, witty, and kind, traits that stayed with him to the end.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Donna; two children: Jill Gustafson (Kurt) and David Martin (Tammy); three stepchildren: Aleisha Johnson (Ryan), Karen Spence (David), and Natalie Mowles; 2 grandchildren: Joshua Gustafson (Ashlee) and Nathan Martin; and two great-grandchildren: Camden and Cooper Gustafson. He was very proud of each child and grandchild and delighted to be a great-grandfather. He is also survived by his sister, Margie Camarano (Warren). He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol Cochran.

Jim’s final years were marked by courage and determination as he faced progressive muscular atrophy with the same strength and stubborn independence that defined much of his life. His family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Welcome Center in Gatesville, Texas, for their unwavering, compassionate care over the past two and a half years.

A memorial for Jim will be held at University Methodist Church in the near future, with the time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Jim G. Martin Elementary or to University Methodist Church in San Antonio. Donations to Martin Elementary can be made by credit card via this link: Jim G Martin ES Donation Form In the "reason for donation" field, please include: Martin ES in memory of Jim Martin.

Donations by check should be made payable to NEF and include Martin ES, in memory of Jim Martin, in the memo line. The mailing address is:  Northside Education Foundation (NEF), Attn: Vince Lutzenberger, 6632 Bandera Road, Bldg. A, San Antonio, Texas 78238.

Jim will be remembered for the life he built, the people he loved, the stories he told, and the laughter he left behind. He was a presence, and he will be missed by many.