James Martin, age 76, of Belcourt, ND, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

James Wallace Martin, Running Wolf Man, was born on December 20, 1945 in Belcourt, ND to Edward and Agnes (Montriel) Martin.  He was raised in Belcourt and completed his education at Belcourt High School.  James was a hard-working man, he worked many years as an Iron worker, using his trade at the missile base in Nakoma, ND.  He also helped build Coal Creek Power Plant near Underwood, ND.  He then finally settled in to a job at Turtle Mountain Manufacturing in a leadership position.  When the plant closed James went back to school, furthered his education at Turtle Mountain Community College earning a Bachelor Degree in education.  James worked as a bus driver for the Belcourt School system, Ojibwa Indian School, and Turtle Mountain Community Schools for many years.  James was united in marriage to Carrie Wilkie, they later divorced.  He was the proud father of four children, Craig, Lionel, Anne, and Marie.  He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

James's passions in life were going to auctions and hanging with friends.  He could always be found with the pal, Ducky, as they would build and work on cars together.  His pride and joy was his 66 Mustang that he took to car shows and drove in parades, usually with one of his grandkids riding along.  James was lucky enough to have one grandson and a bunch of granddaughters and great granddaughters, always telling others how happy his grandkids made his life.

James is survived by his son, Craig (Lucy) Martin of Aberdeen, SD; six grandchildren, Jade (Laura), Jezarae, Thalia, Rashel, Elizabeth, and Evelyn; two great grandchildren, Aubrey and Isabel; and siblings, Edward Martin, Ruth Ann Baker, and Beverly Reed.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Agnes Martin, children, Lionel, Anne, and Marie, and sister, Ethel Hall.

Casket Bearers are Jade Martin, Farrell Gourneau, Edward Brien, Ken Reed, Donald LaRocque, and Bradley Gourneau.  Honorary Bearers are Ray Montriel, Ray Reed, and Chance LaFountain.  Music by Richard Davis, Leonard Keplin, and Jeff Laducer.

A visitation will begin at 6:30 PM on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM.  Funeral Mass will be Monday, May 2, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND.  There will be a lunch to celebrate James's life and to share memories at the KC Hall following services.  Burial will be in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND in the spring.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.