James Martin was a multiple letter winner in football, basketball and baseball at Vanlue High School, where he graduated in 1958. Martin quarterbacked the 1956 Vanlue football team to an 8-0 record and the Hancock County League title. He was named to the “Little Eight” all-star team on offense and again in 1957 on offense and defense. In basketball, Martin helped lead the 1956-57 Wildcats to an 18-4 record and the district finals and the 1957-58 team to a 14-2 mark and the Little Eight tournament title. He was a second-team all-league selection in 1956-57 and a first-team choice as a senior. Martin went on to play four years of football at Heidelberg College. After earning his degree, he taught for 30 years in Rittman City and Akron Springfield Township Schools. At various times during his tenure at Akron Springfield, the North Canton resident coached 8th and 9th grade football and basketball. He was a varsity assistant in football and basketball and also coached 9th grade girls track and volleyball, was a varsity assistant in volleyball for five years and coached the 8th grade team for four years after retirement.