James P. Martin, 80, of Gardner, died peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at The Highlands of Fitchburg, following a period of declining health.

Born in Gardner, he was the son of the late Alfred and Ruth (Merriam) Martin. James proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era from 1963 to 1967, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Following his military service, James went on to work for Simplex Time Recorder for over 30 years. He would later work as a school bus driver for First Student for 12 years until his retirement.

James was a member of the American Legion Post 129 of Gardner. He enjoyed keeping busy-especially woodworking and staying active by riding his bicycle. He took great pleasure in the warmer months, often going for rides on his Harley-Davidson, and was an avid supporter of New England sports teams, particularly baseball and football.

He is survived by his son, James P. Martin Jr. of Winchendon; his daughter, Laura Scanlon and her husband, Sean, of Clinton; five grandchildren, Vanessa, Victoria, and Spencer L'Heureux, Justin Dunham, and Kevin Erickson; one great-granddaughter, Natalie Avery; three brothers, Alfred Martin and his wife, Nancy, of Gardner, Dennis Martin of Worcester, and Lawrence Martin and his wife, Donna, of Templeton; two sisters, Patricia Waskiewicz of Rochester, NH, and Judy Roy and her husband, Ron, of Gardner; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his longtime companion, Susan Mason of Gardner.

Graveside Services with Military Honors will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090, or by visiting www.alz.org. Kindly reference, in memory of James P. Martin.