John Martin Sr., age 76, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Friday, June 11, 2021 at his home.

John Francis Martin, Sr., was born on March 27 ^th , 1945 to Henry "Hank" Martin and Flora Gourneau Martin. When he entered the world, he was given the healing name Pacaachininiis- Man Who Walks Alone, by his Grandpa Gourneau. He carried his spirit name throughout his life and it truly defined him.

Growing up, John was the middle child out of 11 children. He often shared stories about his adventures with his parents and siblings. There were many hard times but there were just as many good times; he would have a twinkle in his eyes as he would tell his stories and remember his upbringing. He loved all his family.

John graduated from Turtle Mountain Community High School in 1963. He was very proud of his achievement and he kept his graduation picture hanging in his home. The class motto was "Let us be seen by our deeds" and this reflected who he was as a humble man and what he would accomplish in his life.

John and his brother Mokey went to school in Fargo, ND at Hanson Mechanical Trade school. We often heard the onion soup story and how hard times were, but they persevered. In 1969, they graduated with degrees in automotive repair, diesel repair, collision and auto body repair, electrical and welding.  Following graduation, John and Mokey worked together for many years at Mokey's Garage. They were always together as their relationship was beyond brothers; they were best friends.

John met the love of his life, Donna Moore, in 1963 and on May 8 ^th , 1970, they married. John and Donna spent 51 years laughing, sparring and loving. They made their home in Martinville for most of their years together, with only a short residency in Fargo, ND and in Mississippi.  They had two children, Terri and John-John, and they added a new light to his eyes. John and Donna also helped raise many nieces and nephews and later, friends of their children.  Their door was always open with many meals to be shared. They were raising their granddaughter, MijahJo, at the time of his passing.

John was a jack of all trades. In his earlier years, he spent time firefighting in Washington and welding in ND and in the shipyards in Mississippi.  For a short time, he worked with electricity. In the 80's, John worked as diesel mechanic at the Road Garage. In the 90's, he owned and operated Martin Trucking with his son, John-John and they worked throughout the states of ND and MN. John built his own garage and continued doing what he loved in his spare time. He later worked with his brother Jerry as a diesel mechanic as they built up and paved Martin Road, the smoothest road within the reservation boundaries.  John didn't do anything "mama sheesh."

John always had a strong work ethic, a value he learned from his Dad, Hank. There was not a day that went by that he didn't have something to do, fixing cars, trucks or small engines, welding metals, or the seasonal garden. He was a true engineer and his intellect and capable hands knew no boundaries. When company came, you could expect a beer and many stories about his adventures. To capture his true essence, family and hard work was what he lived for- he will be so deeply missed.

John is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Terri (Todd), grandchildren Alyssa, TJ (Alexis), Tahni (Cole), Sunni and MijahJo, great grandchildren Nora "Little Girl" and Joseph, siblings Twila (Rollin), Jay (Linda), Jerry (Charlotte), Dean (Delilah), and Cathie (Charles "Bobby"), and sister-in-law Shirley, Debbie "Chook", brother-in-laws Glen, Clarence "Che-Man" and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

John was preceded in death by his son John-John, parents Flora and Hank, siblings Carol (Ike), Judy, Janet (Michael "Wobby"), Richard "Butch" (Bernadette "Bunny"), Henry "Mokey", sister-in-laws Judy and Vivian, brother-in-laws Leslie and John, nephews John Henry, Kit, David, great nephews Craig and Harley, great niece Everly and many cousins and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 5:00 PM at the John and Donna Martin Residence, Belcourt, ND.  A meal will follow services.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.