Jay Alan Martin, age 85 of Bradley passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Heritage Village in Kankakee. Cremation rites were accorded. Memorial visitation will be held from 3 to 6 pm with the memorial service at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. Deacon Patrick Skelly will officiate the service.
Jay was born on September 29, 1939 in Kankakee, the son of Homer Ogle and Nelda (Pombert) Martin. Jay married Marylin Baron on June 20, 1959 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kankakee.
Jay met his beloved wife Marylin known to him as “Peachie” in the band at Kankakee Jr. High School, they continued dating until their marriage in 1959. They played together throughout their high school years in the Kankakee High School Marching and Symphony bands where he played the trumpet. They were to celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary on June 20, 2025.
Jay was a 1957 graduate of Kankakee High School. He was a proud Locomotive Engineer, known as “Bird,” by his coworkers. He worked 43 years with New York Central, Penn Central, ConRail and retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad. Jay held the position of Secretary/Treasurer of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Division 354.
Jay enjoyed volunteering at Market Day, Las Vegas Night in Bradley, and performed miscellaneous handyman duties at St. Joseph Catholic School. He was a loving, caring family man who loved vacationing together with his family. He loved telling railroad stories at family gatherings. Jay enjoyed wood working, home improvement projects, camping, snowmobiling, watching the Chicago Cubs, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and concerts. He was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley.
Survived by his wife of 65 years, Marylin Baron Martin of Bradley; two daughters, Michelle Wedig (Jon-Arne Simonsen) of Kankakee, DesNeiges (Jeff) Richmond of Naperville; grandchildren Madison Richmond, Bailey Wedig, Drew Wedig, and Carter Wedig (Emma Werner). Jay is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sisters; and his grandson, Ethan Richmond.
We would like to give a special thank you to Uplifted Care for their outstanding care and comfort during his final days. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Uplifted Care and Catholic Charities.
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