Jackie Dean Martin Jr. “Jack”, 76, beloved father, brother, grandfather, son, and husband passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025.
Born January 15, 1949, Jack was the son of Jackie Sr. and Harriet Martin. A gifted athlete, he played football for Southeast Missouri State University, where he joined Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and starred for the Redhawks before being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams.
But it was in Alton, Illinois—on fields, in classrooms, and throughout the school system—that Jack truly left his mark.
Jack devoted his career to Alton’s public schools as a beloved coach, principal, and administrator. He was especially proud to serve as the project manager for the construction of Alton High School, a legacy that continues to serve generations of students. His commitment to young people, to learning, and to community ran deep.
He was a master of all things hands-on—he could build, fix, or reimagine anything. Whether it was home repairs or tricky projects, Jack could do it. But above all, his greatest joy was being a grandfather. He poured his heart into his grandchildren, following their passions with the same determination and energy he brought to everything he did.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne, and his parents, Jack Sr. and Harriet. He is survived by his son Josh Martin of Wentzville, Missouri; daughter Jenna Martin Pendry (Ben) of Sylva, North Carolina; his brother Rick Martin (Janie); and the grandchildren who were the light of his life: Jackson, Kennedy, Branch, and Jacqueline.
A celebration of life will be held at Johnson’s Corner in Alton, IL on Saturday, August 2 beginning at 3p with remarks taking place approximately at 4:30p.
The family requests memorial donations be made in memory of Jackie Dean Martin, Jr. to the RedHawk Athletics program at Southeast Missouri University Foundation. Checks can be mailed to the Foundation at One University Plaza, MS7300, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 or made online at www.semo.edu/give or to the Jack Martin Sr Vocational Memorial Scholarship at Alton School District at https://altoned.org/.
Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.