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NEW ULM--James (Jim) David Martens, age 60, passed away on September 25, 2026, after a brave six month battle with squamous cell carcinoma. Born on March 18, 1966, Jim was a man with one of the biggest hearts you could know. He built his life around simple joys, a career of helping others, and a deep love for his family and friends.
Jim spent his career protecting his community, serving with distinction in the Minnesota State Patrol until his retirement in 2021. He carried that same dedication into his personal life, though always paired with his trademark humor. Jim had a brilliant, playful spirit, and showed those he cared most about that love through playful jabs and incessant teasing. If he was giving you a hard time, you knew you belonged to him. He loved nothing more than making people laugh, and his own laughter could light up a room. Beneath all the jokes was a man of immense warmth who gave the absolute greatest hugs, the kind that let you know exactly how much he cared.
Outside of work and after retiring, Jim threw himself into his favorite hobbies. He was a huge sports fan who spent countless hours watching football and managing his fantasy rosters. Bowling was a massive part of his life; he was a dedicated member of his local league and loved taking trips across the country to compete in tournaments. When things quieted down, he was just as happy getting lost in a good book, catching up with friends, or stepping in as the go-to pet sitter for family and friends who trusted him implicitly with their animals.
But out of everything Jim did, nothing mattered more to him than being a father. His greatest joy and his favorite thing to do was to be was simply wherever his children were, catch up with them on the phone, or help them with a project.
Jim is survived by his son, David Martens, and David's wife, Vashti; his daughter, Jennifer Martens; his brother, Cliff Martens, and Cliff's wife, Becky; and his sister, Becky Tish. He was preceded in death by his father, Cliff Martens Sr., and his mother, Carole Martens (née Eichinger).
Jim leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, and an fierce devotion to the people he loved. He will be remembered every time a game is on, every time someone steps up to the bowling lanes, and through the countless stories of his teasing that will keep his memory alive forever.
A celebration of Jim's life will take place on November 14, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the New Ulm Kegel Klub. Family, friends, and his law enforcement brothers and sisters are warmly invited to come together, share some stories, and toast to a life well lived.