James J. Martell

James J. Martell (Jim), Age 100 of Burtonsville, MD, died at home surrounded by family, on Wednesday, January 5th. He was the husband of Catherine Martell.

Jim was born February 17, 1921, in Penns Grove, NJ, the son of Salvatore Martell and Giacinta Martell. He was the last survivor, from a family of ten siblings, to join their mother and father within God’s graces in Heaven. Jim was a member of the Penns Grove High School Class of 1938, where he lettered in three sports: football, basketball and baseball. He is a WWII veteran serving in the Army Air Corps during the liberation of Europe from Nazi control. He was a gunner on B-24s and B-17s, flying 34 missions, receiving decorations for participating in the Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland campaigns. Jim married Catherine Roberson of Kent, Ohio June 14, 1945, who he met while in the service. Following his service he returned to work at the Dupont Company, in Deepwater, NJ.  While working full-time and raising a family of four children, Jim took advantage of the G.I. Bill receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, from the University of Delaware. A journey that took nine years. Jim, a devout Catholic, was very active in his community in Penns Grove/Carney’s Point, NJ. He was a council committeeman, a member the Exchange Club and coached youth baseball.  He was also active in the Knights of Columbus at the Parish of Corpus Christi as well as during his senior years living in Laurel, MD and Burtonsville, MD with the Knights of Columbus Council at Resurrection Parish in Burtonsville, MD. Jim retired from the Dupont Company, at the age of 62, in 1983.

During his twilight years, Jim enjoyed watching sports, reading the daily newspaper, playing Dominos, Sudoku and Bananagrams. However, Jim’s greatest joy was his family.  He took great pride with knowing every person in his growing family, which, at the time of his death, was 74 and growing.

In addition to his beloved wife, Catherine, of 76 years, Jim is survived by four children: Cecelia Pfeffer and her husband, Lee of Burtonsville, MD; Susan Mathes and her husband, Dave of Myrtle Beach, SC; Jim Martell and his wife Mary Ann of Vienna, VA; Jeff Martell and his wife Cheri of Potomac, MD. Eleven Grandchildren: Jennifer (Rob), Stacy (Rocky), David (Tricia), Christine (Dave), Sherri (Eddie), Michele (Steve), Rachael, Cassie (Ryan), Justin (Natalia), Jay (Leslie), Kyle (Jessica); Twenty-four Great Grandchildren and Thirteen Great-Great Grandchildren.

He will be sorely missed by his family and all that knew him.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit on Thursday, January 13,2022 at the Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A. 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD. 21029 from 3:00p.m. until 7:00p.m. and again on Friday, January 14 from 10:00a.m. until 11:00a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection, 3315 Greencastle Road, Burtonsville, MD. 20866 where a funeral mass will be offered at 11:00a.m. Interment immediately following at Gate of Heaven, Silver Spring, MD. 

In Lieu of Flowers the Family asks donations may be made to Monsignor John Pennington Council #9808, Knights of Columbus

Go to: Resurrectionadw.org, Choose DONATE – Fill Out Info. Choose One Time Donation – Choose OTHER as purpose. Fill In Knights of Columbus

OR:

Mail to:  Resurrection Knights of Columbus

3315 Greencastle Road, Burtonsville, MD 20866

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