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A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of James B. 1
"Jim" Martin. 2
WHEREAS, Jim Martin was born in Louisville on March 3, 1928, the beloved son 3
of the late Thomas and Rose; and 4
WHEREAS, Jim Martin came from humble beginnings on Gaulbert Street and 5
reached incredible heights with kindness, confident intellect, hard work, and by always 6
being a gentleman; and 7
WHEREAS, Jim Martin was a devout Catholic who belonged to the Knights of 8
Columbus and operated the beer booth for many years at church picnics. Father Moore at 9
St. George nicknamed 10 year old Jim, "Smudge," a nickname that would stick for life; 10
and 11
WHEREAS, a childhood fever resulted in a perforated eardrum, leaving Jim 12
partially deaf and leading to his departure from the United States Army; and 13
WHEREAS, after his short time in the Army, Jim Martin purchased Martin's 14
Tavern and launched a successful lifelong career as a barman. Jim owned many 15
establishments, but the crown jewel for he and his brother Bill, was Kelly's Lounge, 16
which they owned for more than 50 years with the help of Kevin and Linda. Jim also 17
successfully operated White Owl Liquors for over 50 years with the help of Joe Siemens, 18
Charley Crush, and Doug McDonough; and 19
WHEREAS, Jim Martin loved building projects, which led to his construction of 20
Kelly's, White Owl, and a couple of chicken restaurants. He built an indoor swimming 21
pool at his home where he would become a lifelong swimmer despite his inability to go 22
underwater due to his perforated eardrum. Jim was also capable of repairing anything 23
worth keeping with duct tape and a broken wrench; and 24
WHEREAS, Jim Martin was known for throwing epic celebrations for many guests, 25
usually benefitting a deserving person in need or a surviving spouse. His golf tournaments 26
were always oversubscribed; and 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 22 RS BR 1766
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WHEREAS, Jim, Betty, and friends enjoyed more than 30 winters in Florida; and 1
WHEREAS, Alzheimer's and the COVID-19 pandemic treated Jim poorly but never 2
diminished the gentleman he was; and 3
WHEREAS, Jim Martin was preceded in death by his first grandson, David 4
McDonough; his brothers, Bill, John, Pat, Kenneth, Muscles, and Moe; his sisters, Pidge 5
Diersing and Juanita Miles; five sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and countless other 6
colorful characters, friends and partners. He is survived by his wife of more than 70 years, 7
Betty; children, Betsy (Doug) McDonough; Linda (Merrill) Mills; Mary Ann Martin, 8
Jimbo (Pam) Martin; Kevin (Wendy) Martin; seven grandchildren, Nick, Sarah, Katie, 9
Hank, Anna, Heather, and Jake; three great grandchildren, Ella Cornett, Harlow Martin, 10
and a Martin boy due in July; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Martin and Carol Siemens; many 11
nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of other family members, friends, and loved 12
ones who will dearly miss his presence in their lives; 13
NOW, THEREFORE, 14
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 15
Kentucky: 16
Section 1. The members of the Senate hereby express their most profound 17
sympathy upon the passing of James B. "Jim" Martin. 18
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor and loving 19
memory of James B. Martin. 20
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 21
Resolution to Senator Denise Harper Angel for delivery to the family. 22