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As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:
James Philip “Jim” Martin, 85, former mayor of Hancock and former Hancock business owner, passed away on January 4, 2024.
Jim was born on September 28, 1938 to Albert and Avon (Howard) Martin in Hancock, attended St. Joseph School, and graduated from Hancock High School in 1956. That year he joined the U.S. Navy and spent the better part of 4 years in the Mediterranean area. Upon completion of this tour, Jim returned home and attended MTU for a year.
Jim then rejoined the Navy and was subsequently selected for the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program, receiving a four year scholarship to the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He then entered Officer Candidate School at Newport, RI where he was commissioned an officer of the line in the U.S. Navy. Jim then volunteered for the U.S. Navy Submarine Service, serving on 5 submarines and rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He was the Engineering Officer on the Fast Attack Submarine USS Sailfish (55572), a position he cherished. Also during this time Jim received a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University. Jim’s last duty assignment was as a Navy Operational Test Director, working directly for the chief of naval operations.
Upon retirement from the Navy, Jim worked for several Aerospace companies in Southern California, Seattle, WA, and Cleveland, Ohio. Most noteworthy of these positions was with Northrop Grumman Corporation where he supervised the building, staffing, and operation of a laboratory that conducted Radar Cross Sectional Testing of stealth components of the U.S. Air Force B-2 Stealth Bomber.
Following his retirement from industry, Jim returned to Hancock where he owned and operated Phil’s Upholstery, served as Mayor of Hancock for 5 years, built a beautiful new home, and enjoyed his retirement with his cats.
Jim is survived by a daughter, Karin (Craig) Thyng of Bradford, New Hampshire.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at the Church of the Resurrection in Hancock with Reverend Corey Litzner to officiate. Spring burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock with full military honors conducted by the Copper Country Veterans Association.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with his funeral arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldenisfh.com.
