Mr. Floydist J. Martin

Floydist James Martin was born on March 13, 1943, in Jackson, Mississippi. Sonny, as he was affectionately called by his devoted mother, family, and friends was the only child born to the late Jodie and Irene Nancy (Coleman) Martin. Floydist attended Holy Ghost High School where he was a member of the basketball team and glee club. He graduated high school in 1961. That same year, he entered Jackson State College (now Jackson State University) to study social science and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965. Floydist began teaching at Sumner Hill High School in Clinton, MS then later accepted a position teaching history and coaching basketball at Pisgah Elementary-High School in Rankin County. Floydist taught for several years before deciding to continue his education and later received both a master's degree and a specialist degree from Mississippi College. He was then promoted to assistant principal of Pisgah High School and later advanced to principal of Pisgah Elementary School. After 40 years in education, he retired from the Rankin County School System in 2001. Floydist remained active in his community and was very involved socially, civically, and politically. He fostered several small businesses in the greater Jackson area and continued to coach basketball for many teams in Jackson, MS. He was a lifetime member of Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church and served faithfully in numerous positions within the church such as the United Methodist Men. Floydist accomplished many things in life but his proudest moments were being a father. He was like a dad to many but was blessed to be the father of Aidra Nichole Martin-Curry (Ella Hamilton), Florianne Charnell Martin, and Carlton James Martin (Phyllis Ann Taylor). Floydist was a wonderful dad and loved his children dearly. Floydist relished life and often enjoyed activities such as bass fishing, boating, and hunting. For many years of his adult life, he loved traveling, especially for sporting events. Despite the fact that he played basketball in high school and coached basketball, Floydist was most of all an avid football fan and loyal supporter of the Jackson State University Tigers. He was exceptionally proud of his son's outstanding achievements as a football player at Madison Central High School and at the University of Mississippi. Floydist was called to his eternal rest Sunday morning, February 3, 2019. His legacy will forever live with his children, and his memory will remain in the hearts of those he loved. He is survived by his loving children: Aidra (Antony) Martin-Curry of Conyers, GA, Florianne Charnell Martin of Jackson, MS, and Carlton James Martin of Jackson, MS and Marquita James. Others saddened by his passing are a number of cousins and other relatives, a host of long-time friends from high school and college, as well as employees and colleagues from his years of professional and civic duty.

Mr. Floydist J. Martin

March 13, 1943 - February 3, 2019