Obituary: Martin Phillip James

After excelling and breaking school Basketball records at Covington Middle School, Marty attended Evergreen High School in Vancouver, and graduated in 1967. During his high school years, he was an exceptional basketball player whose talent made him somewhat of a “local legend” in the community, and earned him a full-ride scholarship to the University of Oregon. His freshman season at Oregon would be devastatingly cut short by injury, and he later moved back home to attend Clark College in Vancouver. The following year, with his injury healed, he played Basketball for Clark College, and was an outstanding athlete there as well.

It was also while at Clark that he met and fell in love with Barbara West, who he would marry on September 6th, 1969. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and steadfast commitment to one another, creating a legacy of love that will live on in his children and grandchildren.

In 1970, Marty joined the United States Army and was stationed with the 74th Artillery Detachment at Schwabstadl Kasern in Klosterlechfeld, Germany. Barbara soon followed him to Germany where they were stationed until 1973. During his time in the Army, he continued playing Basketball on the Schwabstadl team, traveling and playing against other units. Marty spoke often and fondly of his and Barbara’s time in Germany, the life-long friendships made there, and the travels they enjoyed together throughout Europe.

Upon his return from Germany, and discharge from the Army, Marty fulfilled his lifelong dream, and became a Fire Fighter. He also continued his studies at Lane Community College, Western Oregon University, and the National Fire Academy. He would later teach classes at the Washington State Fire Academy.

In 1976, Marty and Barbara bought their first of many homes. Remodeling those homes, construction, and carpentry became something he was extremely gifted at, and very proud of. He could always be found working on a project of some sort at home. Marty was a man who never sat idle.

With his passion for the Fire Department, and in bettering his community, Marty had an extraordinary, and decorated career in the Fire Service. He first served as a Firefighter at Vancouver Fire District #5, even living for a time at two different Fire Stations with Barb. Through years of dedication and leadership, Marty rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Fire Chief for District #5, Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Vancouver, and an elected Fire Commissioner for Fire District #3. After 32 years of distinguished service, notably marked by many commendations, awards, and accomplishments, he retired from the Fire Department in 2000.

Almost immediately following his retirement, Marty and Fire District #5’s Board of Commissioners developed and opened the NW Regional Training Center in Vancouver,-a training facility dedicated to preparing Paramedics, EMT’s, CNA’s, and other first responders. He was incredibly proud of the work being done there, and the lives and careers it helped shape. His legacy there continues on today. He officially retired for good in 2010.

After retiring, Marty created an entire apartment for Barb’s mother inside of their home in Hockinson, WA, and after 7 years of caring for her there, they moved into and beautifully remodeled the home Barbara grew up in, in White Salmon, WA.

Marty and Barbara were blessed by the adoption of their two children, Rachel and Michael, who meant everything to him. With them, he enjoyed coaching their sports, teaching them the value of hard work, and continuously showed them the meaning of unconditional love. Later, they were blessed again with four grandchildren. The joy he found in being their beloved “Papa” was apparent in the way that he loved them. His witty sense of humor and constant playfulness with them will forever be cherished.

Marty is survived by his wife, Barbara, his daughter, Rachel Beth James King, and her husband, Aaron Campbell King of Battle Ground, WA, and their children, Annaliese Maybelle Danner of Boise, ID, Tristan Andrew Danner, Quinn James Danner, and Priya Bea King, all of Battle Ground. His son, Michael Andrew James of Portland, OR. He also leaves behind his brother, George “Jim” James Jr., and his wife Naomi James of Olympia, WA, and their children, Chris, Eric and his wife Kira James, and Nic and his wife Elena James, as well as his brother, Kenneth James and his wife Rhondda James of Seattle, WA., and their children, Brooke Gosztola and husband George, Meagan James, and Chelsea and husband Rob Hollister.

While our hearts ache in his mighty absence, we take comfort in knowing that he is now in the presence of the Savior he served so faithfully. His legacy will live on through the family he built, the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the faith he passed down to all of us. As it says in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Dad fought his fight valiantly, finished his race well, and we can all rejoice in knowing we will see him again.

A Memorial Service for Martin will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens located at 1101 NE 112th Ave. Vancouver, WA. on Sunday March 29th, 2026 at 10:00am.

Marty will be buried on Saturday March 21st, 2026 at White Salmon Cemetery, in White Salmon, WA.

Columbia Gorge News, March 18, 2026