Judge James Thomas Martin Jr., Class of 1951, who served for more than 16 years in New Mexico’s Third Judicial District Court, died January 23 after a brief illness. He was 86
Judge Martin moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 1953 and practiced law until July 1981, when he was recommended by the Doña Ana County Bar Association to become a district judge for New Mexico’s Third Judicial District Court. He served on the bench for more than 16 years.
“Judge Martin, during the time he was on the bench, was very well respected,” said Douglas Driggers, presiding judge of the Third Judicial District Court. “He was decisive, he controlled his courtroom quite well, and he was courteous to lawyers and to the jury. He had a solid sense of humor, but his rulings were always clear and concise. He never bore ill will against anyone.”
Judge Martin was known as being tough, but always fair. One of his favorite mementos from his time on the bench was a T-shirt with the phrase “The Judge,” given to him by inmates at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility for his work to help them with their education, addiction, rehabilitation and life skills training.
Also active in politics, Judge Martin was elected in 1958 to the New Mexico House of Representatives. In 1969, he served in the New Mexico Constitutional Convention, which helped clarify and amend the state’s Constitution. He also served on the state Board of Education, state Board of Economic Development and the New Mexico State Highway Commission.
Judge Martin was born on August 16, 1926 in Nashville. During World War II he joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Littlerock. After World War II, he earned his law degree at Vanderbilt, graduating in 1951.
On a drive from Tennessee to California, a friend suggested that Judge Martin stop in Las Cruces to visit another Vanderbilt graduate, Forest Sanders, and his law partner, Rufus Garland. Judge Martin returned to Las Cruces in 1953 to work as an associate in the law firm, which ultimately became Garland, Martin and Martin.
Martin was an outdoor enthusiast who often took week-long horseback trips into the Gila Wilderness with friends, and also enjoyed hunting and deep sea fishing.
He was also a firm believer in giving back to his community. He served on many boards, committees and was active in many charitable organizations. He especially enjoyed his time with the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Posse, and was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, and helped establish Jornada Lodge 70.
Judge Martin is survived by his five children and four grandchildren.