New sign installed at James A. Martin Park

Recreational baseball and softball will be starting soon with visitors to the local community being greeted with a newly erected sign at James A. Martin Ballpark. The City of Graceville installed the new sign at the beginning of the year after the original sign was destroyed during 2018 due to extreme weather.

James A. Martin was a lifelong resident of Graceville who passed away at the age of 57. Martin was a patriarch in the community as a businessman, volunteer, and church member. He was the owner of Martin Laundromat in Graceville and was also a contractor and veteran from World War II. Prior to his death, Martin had also been a city commissioner, a position he had held for more than a decade in the city. Martin was a member of First Baptist Church in Graceville as well as the Graceville Lions Club and American Legion Post No. 42.

Martin’s contracting work is still seen throughout the City of Graceville. Martin had many local accomplishments on the building front including working on Campbellton-Graceville Hospital, the Education Building at First Baptist Church, and the plumbing system at Graceville High School as well as work on the Baptist Bible Institute, now known as the Baptist University of Florida.

In April of 1988, Martin’s widow, Mrs. Evie Lou Martin worked with the City of Graceville to donate the land where James A. Martin Park now sits. Funds for the park were provided by a recreational grant from the State of Florida. Three years later on October 24, 1991 a dedication ceremony was held in honor of Mr. James A. Martin and his wife, Mrs. Evie Lou Martin, who was present for the dedication.

The newly erected sign displays baseball players with solar lights to aid in displaying the sign at night. Recreational baseball and softball season will begin at the end of this month with teams already practicing at the local complex.

Photo Cutline: Family members of Martin along with City Manager Michelle Watkins met last month for a picture with the sign prior to the start of the baseball season. Pictured from left, Bubba Lane, Colby Merritt, Megan Love, Mason Merritt, Shannon Merritt, James Merritt, Debbie Mullins, Krystal Parrish, Jim Strickland, Jimmy Strickland, Danielle Treadwell, Marty Lane, and City Manager Michelle Watkins.

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