BELLBROOK — Jim “Pee Wee” Martin was 101 years old, he spent his life making a difference.
Martin was a para-trooper in the 101st Airborne Division. He fought on D-Day in Nazi occupied France.
In addition to the invasion of Normandy, Martin also parachuted in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands and the Battle of the Bulge.
Tuesday night family and friends remembered “Pee Wee” as a hero, friend, and a man who made a great impact.
>> PHOTOS: Remembering Jim ‘Pee Wee’ Martin
“I think the best lesson from Jim was live life simply. I mean the man built his own house with his own hands, he and his wife,” Barry Tiffany, Sugarcreek Township Administrator said.
Martin’s granddaughter remembered advice her grandfather would give her.
“He would tell you to live every second regardless of your situation or circumstance, live every second and always be positive,” Jodi Martin said.
On Sept. 21, an escort to the VA for burial will take place at 9 a.m. The escort will begin at the Sugarcreek Administration Building on 2090 Ferry Road.