World War II veteran Jim ‘Pee Wee’ Martin dies at 101

GREENE COUNTY — Jim “Pee Wee” Martin, Greene County native and World War II veteran, died on Sunday, according to a post on his personal Facebook page. He was 101-years-old.

>> World War II veteran Jim ‘Pee Wee’ Martin celebrates 101st birthday

Martin was a paratrooper in World War II, including on D-Day. He served in the 101st Airborne Division and was a member of the “Screaming Eagles.”

He was one of the first Allied soldiers to infiltrate 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.

>>PHOTOS: “Pee Wee” Martin’s Jumpfest returns to celebrate WWII vet’s 101st birthday

Martin celebrated his 101st birthday on April 29th. People traveled to Greene County from across the area, state, and even country for the chance to line up and get a photo and chat with him.

>> “Don’t worry about those things you can’t change,” Greene Co. native, WWII veteran shares advice during 100th birthday celebration

Martin gave some advice for living a long, fulfilling life.

“We take life for granted but every day is precious. It’s a gift from somebody. Don’t use your life to try to get ahead. Use it to make other people happy. Always be optimistic. When you’re always optimistic you’re going to enjoy life a great deal more,” he said.

We will continue updating this story.

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