Jimmie Richards Martin, 82, passed away on August 11, 2026. While his passing leaves a wake of sadness, we are confident that his body is now healed and whole in Heaven.
Jimmie was born and raised in Ruston, Louisiana. His love of music began at an early age, and he eventually became Drum Major of the Ruston High School band. He graduated from Ruston High School in 1963 and went on to pursue a degree in Animal Science at Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1968.
After graduation, Jimmie moved to Metairie, Louisiana, for a few short years, where providence brought him to Jackie Miller. They met when Jimmie was her blind date for her senior prom, and he would later become her husband. Together, they shared nearly 57 years of marriage and raised four children: Jason, Justin, Jennifer, and Julie.
Much of Jimmie’s career was dedicated to educating students with special needs. Whether at Ruston State School or Simsboro High School, he had a soft place in his heart for special education and a gift for communicating with those students …inspiring them to achieve their best.
But more than teaching, Jimmie’s passion was music. Rhythm and Blues, classic country—whatever he could play a drumbeat to, he was going to play. At some point in their childhood, each of Jimmie’s children remembers being the imaginary cymbal he would play in the passenger seat of his beloved El Camino while waiting in the school car line in the mornings.
Music was a constant thread throughout Jimmie’s life. There were weekends spent playing with local bands, stories of brushes with fame, and celebrations when booking a new gig. Music was nearly always part of the conversation.
Beyond what Jimmie did on this earth, what will be missed most is who he was. Jimmie was kind to all people. He was patient with his children and students; passionate about his hobbies and his wife, Jackie; playful and active until his body no longer allowed him to be; adored by his grandchildren; and willing to stand up for what he believed.
Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, J.B. and Delia Martin, and his son, Jason Richards Martin.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie Martin; his son, Justin Martin; his daughter, Jennifer Carter, and her husband, Andy Carter, along with their children, Evelyn and Nathan Carter; his daughter, Julie Martin, and her partner, Carrie Wiese; his brother, John Martin, and his family; and Lemoyne Christian and her family.
A visitation and memorial service will be held at a later date.
