In Loving Memory of Jack Lawrence Martinez

How do you sum up the life of a man who lived so big and so fully? It is a challenge. Jack Lawrence Martinez, 81, of Ahwahnee, California, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026, after a brief battle with ALS.

Jack was born in Bakersfield, California, in 1945 to Patricia and Henry Jack Martinez. He grew up in Central California, moving often during a turbulent childhood. He attended South High School in Bakersfield, where he met Margie, and they married soon afterward.

Jack met Margie by running over her on the sidelines of a football field in the middle of a play. He was a football player, and she was a cheerleader. That fateful meeting set the tone for an exciting marriage that lasted 64 years. Jack was 16 and Margie was 18 when they married, and soon afterward, Jack embarked on a life of dedicated service to his country.

Jack proudly served in the United States Coast Guard for 23 years, retiring with the distinguished rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. His at-sea service included deployments in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific, and Arctic. His years of service reflected a deep commitment to duty and a life filled with adventure on the seas. Later in his career, he worked in the Coast Guard legal office, fighting the war on illicit drugs. He was a man's man, playing multiple sports on military teams, winning trophies, and often saying things like, "If you're on time, you're late."

Beyond his military service, Jack will be remembered as a master storyteller. He had a gift for bringing stories to life, sharing tales of his adventures, experiences, and the many chapters of a life well lived. He even put those memories into a book, preserving his life story for his family and future generations.

Though Jack was a gifted storyteller, he was also a man of few words. He famously taught his teenage daughter to drive a stick shift while sitting in the passenger seat, staring into the distance without uttering a word. Rather than yelling or panicking as she stalled and missed gears through multiple rotations of a green light, he simply looked out the window in absolute silence, leaving her to figure out the mechanics of the clutch and stick shift entirely on her own.

Jack was also a man who loved to keep busy and create. His beloved man cave was his own special place, filled with projects, tools, and the things he enjoyed. Whether he was building something with his hands, working on a new project, or sharing one of his many stories, Jack was happiest doing things his own way. He loved building birdhouses, hanging them in the trees, and watching the birds, always hoping some would make their homes there.

Jack cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margie; his daughter, Jolene Woods, and her family; and his son, Jack A. Martinez, and his family. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and a large extended family who loved him dearly. He is also survived by his three sisters, Karen, LeeAnn, and Dawn.

In his later years, Jack often wrote letters to family members, pouring out his heart. He was always there for his grandchildren's events whenever his health allowed, especially graduations, weddings, and special family gatherings, where he would sit proudly. He was extremely generous and would give a man the shirt off his back if the occasion called for it.

Jack's life was one of hard living, service, adventure, creativity, and generosity. He leaves behind not only the stories he told and the things he built, but also a lifetime of memories that will live on through the family he cared for so dearly.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.

A celebration of life, led by Chaplain Jason, the hospice chaplain, will be held on Friday, November 27 at 1pm, in front of Jack's man cave. A Zoom link will be available for those who wish to attend remotely and honor Jack's memory.

In addition, a committal service with military honors will be held at Bakersfield National Cemetery on Friday, December 4, at 12:30 p.m. Margie will be having lunch at Hodel's in Bakersfield following the service. Please let her know if you would like to join her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a veterans' charity, such as Disabled American Veterans.

Please share your photos and memories on this website. A memory book will be created for Jack's family using the stories, photographs, and memories you contribute.