James (Jim) Everett Martin, 84, died June 3, 2017 at his home in Decatur, Alabama. Mr. Martin was born June 22, 1932 in Vinemont, Alabama to parents Everett Parrish Martin, (deceased) and Buena Gibson Martin, (deceased). He graduated from Greensboro, Alabama High School and attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute on a basketball scholarship. During this time he met his wife of 58 years, Ann Freeman Martin. He earned a B.S. degree in agricultural management in 1954, and an M.S. from North Carolina State University in agricultural economics in 1956. After serving two years in the United States armed forces, he enrolled at Iowa State University where he earned a Ph.D. degree in agricultural economics in 1960.
He was a Professor at Oklahoma State University and the University of Maryland. He served as Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. In 1975, he was appointed as Vice President for the Division of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas and then its President from 1980 to 1982. He became the first president of the University of Arkansas System from 1982 to 1984. From 1984 to 1992, he served as the 14th President of Auburn University until his retirement. His tenure has been characterized by the following major accomplishments: a complete administrative restructuring; capital construction projects whose totals exceed $100 million; the ten-year reaccreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; and faculty salary increase of approximately 25 percent. He has also established a recruiting program for academically talented students in Alabama.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Freeman Martin; two sons Michel (Vivi), William (Debbie); and one daughter Jill Richmond (Darren); five grandchildren, Taylor Ware (Brit), Payne, Elizabeth, Erin, and Mark; and brother, John Lawrence Martin (Judy).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Day-Speegle Cemetery Fund c/o: Angie Lane 53 Days Gap Rd. Falkville, AL 35622 or to the AU General Scholarship Fund through the Auburn University Foundation, 317 South College Street, Auburn, AL 36830.
A memorial service is being planned for a later day. Peck Funeral Home will announce arrangements.
