Joel D. Martin Jr. (J.D)
12/01/1955 – 01/11/2026
That dash implies an ending. J.D.’s story is not over; he lives on through all who loved him. That dash holds no power over him. That dash simply means that God called him home. J.D. is healed, whole, and joyfully waiting for us to join him in Glory. Oh, what a day that will be!
J.D. was born on December 1, 1955, in Portsmouth, Virginia to Joel D. Martin Sr. and Inez F. Martin. That day started his journey into our lives.
J.D. married Linda on September 8, 1975. They built an amazing life together, sharing fifty years of marriage. Their lives and marriage are a testament to the love of God. His love shined brightly through their devotion and love of one another. Even when life sent trials, they bonded together to overcome everything that came their way. Together they also held onto friends and family whenever they were in the storms of life. They spread love and laughter to anyone who was blessed enough to call them friends or be their family.
This amazing bond of love created their son, Michael A. Martin, born on February 28, 1978. Michael married T.J. Knight Martin, on April 12, 2020. Together they will carry J.D. and Linda’s legacy of love through their bond and devotion to one another.
On Life’s journey, God has called so many beloved family members home.
Joel D. Martin Sr – Father
Inez F. Martin – Mother
Granda & Rosa Blazer – Grandparents
Harry Martin & Little Nannie – Grandparents
Sidney Allen Sr. – Father in Love
Sidney Allen Jr. (Sid) – Brother in Love
Cindy Everly – Sister in Love
Rick Blazer – Cousin
Those of us who remain will grieve his presence in our lives. We will cherish his memories and carry his legacy forward.
Linda Lou Allen Martin – Loving and Devoted wife
Dorothy Allen – Mother in Love
Michael A. Martin & T.J. Knight Martin – Son & Daughter in Love
Bradley Martin – Brother
Steve Martin – Brother
Darlene Roberts – Sister
Buddy & Becky Allen – Brother & Sister in Love
Ricky & Winnie Allen – Brother & Sister in Love
Vicky Allen – Sister in Love
Rosemarie McGuire – Sister in Love
Many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews, Cousins, and many special friends.
J.D. was a hard worker for many years to support his family. He worked at the ChapStick Company in Lynchburg, Simplimatic Engineering for thirteen years, and at BWXT as a machinist for twenty-two years. He finally retired from Lynchburg City Schools.
When J.D. was not working, he enjoyed life. He loved hunting, fishing, and boating. He was a thrill seeker in his younger days enjoying years of drag racing. He loved his 73 Nova and 68 Camaro. He lived life to the fullest every day that he could. He was an avid Dale Earnhardt #3 fan, and his adoration of the Washington Redskins had no end.
To know and love J.D. was a true blessing. His love knew no bounds or limitations. He always showed up for his family even when he was struggling. He was a special and unique person, and we are eternally grateful that God, chose us to be his family. We will see you again in Glory, J.D., when God calls us home. Until then, we will miss you tremendously.
“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Mark 5:4 KJV
The family will celebrate the wonderful life and memories of J.D. on a later date.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.