Our beloved American hero and proud native Texan, Bvt Brigadier General Jack Tracy Martin (USAFR Ret.) entered into Heaven October 1, 2015, age 93.

Born August 15, 1922 to Ernest William and Betty Myers Martin.

Following Burkett, Texas High School, he attended Tarleton Jr. College, Stephenville, Texas on a basketball scholarship, majoring in petroleum engineering. After graduation, Jack enlisted in US Army AF, September, 1942; 16 months later was commissioned 2nd Lt. Pilot and Instructor.

During WW ll, Jack served as pilot in 884th Bomb Squadron, 383rd Bomb Group in US; and 435th Bomb Squadron, 333rd Bomb Group, 316th Bomb Wing, Okinawa and Guam piloting B-24 and B-29 heavy aircraft with 700 hours recorded. Following Japan's surrender, he transferred to 305th Fighter Control Squadron, 301st Fighter Wing, P-38 and P-47 aircraft, Okinawa; was air controller, responsible for fighter interception for Air Defense Command. After war, Pacific service men remained with little to do except anticipate return to the States. Martin formed a basketball team in 301st Fighter Wing, which won Okinawa Championship and All-Service Championship in Manilla.

After discharge from Ft. Sam Houston, with numerous scholarship offers, Jack chose Hardin-Simmons Baptist University, Abilene, Texas. He met freshman cheerleader, Shirley Stephens, three months later, 1947, they married - a LOVE lasting 68 years! Their daughter, Sharon, arrived one year later. Jack continued serving his country, joining Texas Army National Guard. He was HSU team captain; voted All Border Conference Guard two years. Upon graduation with Bachelor of Science Degree, Jack was hired immediately to become Head Basketball Coach, age 26. After three successful coaching seasons, and Master of Education, he accepted Head Basketball position at Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas, coaching there 25 years. He continued training with ANG until Texas AIR National Guard transferred him to command the 273rd GEEIA (Ground Electrical Engineering Installation Agency) Squadron, Nederland, Texas, a Defense Unit served in U.S. and worldwide, including NATO in France and Belgium.

After 28 years of coaching, 1976, Jack became LU Director of Placement for 13 years. His outstanding coaching record was 694 total games; in 1972-73, was winningest active coach in Texas with 5 conference championships, 5 runner-up championships and taking 5 teams to NCAA Division 1 Championship post season playoffs. On Elmore Hudgins "Top Twenty Basketball Coaches", Martin was 1st in Texas, 6th in nation with total wins of 350.

Jack continued as Commander of 273rd GEEIA TANG Squadron. He completed required National Defense Schools including Air War College; Air Force Command and General Staff School; and National Security Management Course of Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He obtained BI/Top Secret Security Clearance in 1957. With 36 years of service, 1979, the Governor of Texas promoted Colonel Martin to Brevet Brigadier General, TANGR. He continued assignments with AF Academy, Central Intelligence Agency, and National Defense until 1990 retirement to Air Force Village ll, San Antonio.

Jack received recognitions for University, Military and Civic Honors. Tarleton State University included his name in two categories on campus Wall of Honor Memorial for General Officers: "THOSE WHO SERVED WITH EXTRAORDINARY DISTINCTION IN POSITIONS OF GREAT RESPONSIBILITY" and "A RECEPIENT OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL". Hardin-Simmons University recognized him Distinguished Alum 1982, Hall of Leaders, 2008, Athletic Hall of Fame, 1995; Lamar University inducted him in Sports Hall of Honor, 1974. Additional awards included NCAA Basketball Rules Committee, 1973-78; Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity; and Sabine Area Distinguished Citizen. He served in Lions Club and helped establish Recreation/Family Life Center, First Baptist Church, Beaumont.

Jack was preceded in death by parents, sister, and son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Charles O. Price.

Survivors include wife, Shirley Stephens; daughter, Sheri, Amarillo; grandsons, Martin Lee Price, wife, Jana, New Castle, Colorado; Judson Charles Price, wife, Lynde , Fritch, Texas; five great-grandchildren; and brothers-in-law, Major General Lewis Stephens, wife, Barbara and Gerald James, Sr., Dallas.

Devoted husband and family man, Jack enthusiastically served his country, supported Higher Education, and demonstrated Christian principles. He was a gentleman, tough competitor, with a sense of humor. He enjoyed memberships in Order of Daedalians Fraternity of Military Pilots and Sons of the Republic of Texas.