Dr. Jack Elmo Martin

October 20, 1936 – December 12, 2025

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Dr. Jack Elmo Martin, 89, passed into Glory on December 12, 2025 in his home city of Mesa, Arizona. He was born October 20,1936 to parents Albert & Minnie Martin of Yellow Springs, Ohio.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Zemeta Martin (Mesa, AZ); his son, John Martin & Laura Martin (Katy, TX); his daughter Debbie Walker & William Walker (Fulshear, TX); his grandchildren John & Cassie Walker, Jessica & Preston Howell, Alaina Martin, Kelsey Walker; and his great grandchildren Levi Walker, Wyatt Walker, and Hunter Howell.

Pastor Jack served over 71 years in Christian ministry spreading the gospel to much of the United States, serving seven different churches, most recently in Apache Junction, AZ. His evangelistic style and passion for others took him across the globe to countries such as Africa, Russia, Mexico, Australia and numerous times to the Middle East. He is best remembered for his love of Christ, passion for souls and his knowledge of scripture. He has an infectious laugh and sense of humor to attract conversation and discussion on any topic with anyone he met. He loved his family deeply and was referred to as “PawPaw” by all the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He dearly loved his wife, Zemeta. From the time they met in 1960, they journeyed on mission trips, revivals, cruises, and family travel. They were quite a team and best friends for life: he preached passionately and she played the piano with gusto. Their partnership inspired faithfulness, service and fun to those they met. They never left each other’s side. Zemeta has stood strong these 65 years even though the sacrifice of service was not always easy; but the reward ahead makes it all worthwhile.

Fishing trips to Canada were certainly highlights for him to share time with friends, and his dad and son. He enjoyed the outdoors, the adventure of nature, his fruit trees in the backyard, the mild weather in the winter, his little dog “Ollie” and writing books. He was an avid reader and amassed a large library of books over the course of his ministry. In his later years, he used all his experience and passion to write eleven books; some patriotic, one bio graphical, some spiritual and all were encouraging and uplifting.

If he were here, he would say proudly…” I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now…but I anxiously await our family reunion in Heaven!”

We will miss his compassionate smile.