James Lynn Martin

It is with both sadness and celebration that we announce the passing of James Lynn Martin, who left this world on April 17, 2026, at the age of 89. Jim was born on August 15, 1936, in Thedford, Nebraska.

Jim was raised on the Raymond Lake Ranch east of Hyannis, Nebraska and graduated from Hyannis High School in 1954. He would attend Chadron State College, graduating with a degree in education. In November of 1960, Jim married Carole Cain of Omaha. They resided in Milford for two years where Jim taught math at Milford High School and Carole was a nurse in Seward. The couple moved to Omaha, where Jim taught and coached at Benson before transferring to Omaha Central where he had a distinguished teaching and coaching career. As a coach at Omaha Central, his cross-country team won the 1972 state title. Jim served as the varsity boys basketball coach for 22 years where his teams won two state titles in 1974 and 1975. Jim was named the Omaha World Herald’s High School Coach of the Year in 1975.

James not only made his mark as a beloved educator and dedicated coach, but also as cherished father, loving husband and deeply spiritual man. His fervor for basketball was rivaled only by his deep faith in Jesus Christ, which guided him through his life and work, inspiring those around him. Jim was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in the Omaha area. He also served in the church as a board member, elder, and Sunday school teacher. Jim and Carole enjoyed leading and hosting a weekly bible study in their home for many years.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Jean; brothers, John and Steve Martin and brother-in-laws, Lt. Col. Mort Cain and Bill Hammond. He is survived by his children, Julie Emsick, Ronald (Lori) Martin, Paul (Lori) Martin, Jay (Sharon) Martin and Jim Martin, Jr.; 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brother, Michael (Debbie) Martin; sisters, Carolyn (Delbert) McKeag, Karen Hammond, Mary (Ivan) Bilsland, Rev. Linda Martin; sister-in-law, Joyce Cain and a host of other loving family and friends.

There will be a Memorial Service on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Christ Community Church, 404 S 108th Ave, Omaha, NE 68154. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's name to Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) or to Step Up to Life.