James "Jim" S. Martin

James “Jim” S. Martin, 83, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2023 with his family by his side. Jim was born November 13, 1939 in Crandon. His early years included working on their small family farm as well as a local potato farm. He graduated from Antigo High School in 1957, and married his bride Lorna in 1961. After the couple moved to Wausau in 1963, Jim worked in construction, leaving his mark on many buildings all around the state. A master carpenter for over 35 years, he also took active leadership roles in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local 310.

In 1972, the couple purchased an old dairy farm and established Highland Trees Christmas Tree Farm. As they built their family, the first baby trees were growing as well. Meanwhile, Jim took loads of Wisconsin-grown Christmas Trees to sell in Houston, Texas. Our family lost Lorna to cancer in 1982. Jim and his family continued to nurture the tree farm into a much-loved local family tradition. Our father’s labor of love celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and continues into its second generation. In his rare free time, he enjoyed old country music, dancing, woodworking, and inventing new farm equipment and gadgets.

He is survived by his daughter, Annie Martin (Erik Olsen); son, Mike Martin (Angie Gonzalez); girlfriend, Mitzie Bisping; brother, Gordon; sisters, Janice Novak and Yvonne Raith; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorna (Jagla); his parents, Wallace Martin and Edna (Gilbert) Martin; and his sisters, Lois Weyh and Peggy Culbertson.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, followed by a sharing of memories at 2:30 p.m. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, 238537 Del Rio Road, Wausau.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

The family would like to thank his caregivers, loving friends and family, Primrose Memory Care of Weston, and the amazing people at Aspirus Palliative Care who helped him on his journey. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Arbor Day Foundation. Even better, plant a tree!