James Larry Martin

Dr. James Larry Martin entered the arms of our Savior on January 28, 2025 following a long illness. Born in Joplin, Missouri to John A. Martin and Norma Jeanne (Sill) Martin, November 28, 1942, he lived his life as a faithful servant of Christ. He began singing solos at Central City Christian Church at age fourteen. At sixteen, his Sunday School class found themselves without a teacher, so he filled the role. Larry continued teaching 63 years, served as the song leader for 38 years, and was a deacon and elder in the church for many years. He often provided special music for funerals and weddings at the church.
Larry grew up in Joplin, Missouri and graduated from Joplin High School in 1960, where he was involved in ROTC as a Captain of the Band Company, as well as numerous other school organizations. He went on to graduate with a Bachelors (1964) and Master's Degree (1967) from the University of Tulsa. During this time, he met his future wife, Penny (Allan), when she visited his church as a guest of her aunt and uncle. Larry and she soon began dating. He was saving money to buy a long-desired Corvette, but after he met Penny, he used that money to buy an engagement ring. He said it was the best investment he ever made!
Following their marriage, Larry began his esteemed teaching career at the Joplin Junior College, which later became Missouri Southern State University (MSSU). They welcomed two daughters and moved to Georgia where he earned his Doctoral degree in Math Education at the University of Georgia in 1974. The couple then moved back to Joplin to raise their family and be closer to grandparents. Larry taught at MSSU and became the Mathematics Department Head. In 1980, he was awarded the first Outstanding Teacher Award from MSSU. Although he relished teaching and mentored countless students, he advanced to become the Dean of Arts and Sciences and then the Vice President of Academic Affairs. After receiving numerous academic awards and honors, he retired from MSSU in 2003 to spend more time with his beloved family.
Perhaps Larry's favorite lifetime hobby was a love of baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals. Growing up, he and the neighborhood boys could usually be found playing a game of baseball or listening to the Cardinals on the radio. He played for Joplin Farm Club teams and Joplin Little League. He was an assistant Little League coach and used that opportunity to instill character and sportsmanship in the boys. He loved attending STL Cardinals games and teaching his girls the rules of the game. Additionally, he enjoyed playing tennis, racquetball, ping pong, and pool. Larry also loved planning family vacations, traveling, classic cars and 50s and early 60s music.
Larry's greatest devotion was to his faith and his family. He leaves a legacy of renowned leadership, humility, gentleness and wisdom. Larry is survived by his devoted wife of nearly sixty-one years, Penny. Additionally, he is survived by his daughters, Jamie Smith (Alan) of Joplin, Missouri and Jenny Hopkins (Tony) of Ozark, Missouri. Perhaps his proudest role was that of "Papa" to his three grandchildren; Caleb Smith (Hannah) of Joplin, and Marin and Linden Hopkins of Ozark. His younger sister Jeanne Rouse (David) survives in Granville, Ohio. His nephews John and Aaron and their families reside in Ohio, and nephew Seth and his family make their home in Florida. His sister-in-law, Joetta Little (Richard) and two nephews Brad and Scott Little, reside in Georgia with their families.
The funeral service will be held Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Central City Christian Church in Joplin, with Matt and Katie Proctor officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be officiated by Johnie Adkins at Osborne Cemetery immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Central City Christian Church, 783 S. Central City Road, Joplin, Missouri, 64801 or the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Missouri, 901 E. St. Louis St., Springfield, Missouri 65806.