John “Jack” Martin, Jr. 61, of Waltham, Massachusetts, formerly of Weston, passed away after a long illness. He was the son of the late John Martin and Janet Martin (Purple) of Windham, Maine, formerly of Weston.

Jack was born on November 28, 1961, and attended Weston High School and Minuteman Vocational Technical School in Lexington. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed at Lowry Air Force base in Denver, Colorado. His yearning for life experience also took him to California, where he attended pre-veterinary classes at College of the Redwoods in Eureka.

Jack was a gifted artist and talented craftsman, and drawing was his passion. He admired animation legends Chuck Jones and Friz Freleng, and spent hours sketching cartoon and storyboard art. He also loved painting, and was passionate about art in all its forms. For local clients he painted animation-themed scenes on walls and furniture, and for restaurants he created murals of lush landscapes and European villages. 

In California, he was truly in his element. He exhibited his artwork in a Santa Monica gallery and commissioned several custom pieces for celebrities and other clients. He crafted original concept furniture, stone terrace gardens, sculptures, glass block installations, and custom murals. He also mastered the art of furniture finishing and restored antiques to their original beauty. His most amazing talent was life drawing, seen in the many stunning portraits he created over his lifetime.

Jack worked in many trades and locations, from landscaper in New England to ranch handler in Florida. He loved tinkering in science and inventions, much like his grandfather, George Purple. Even as a child he was mechanically inclined and electronically intuitive, and could fix just about anything. Airplanes and space travel fascinated him, and air shows made him beam like a kid. Some of the great joys of his life were meeting the Blue Angels and taking flying lessons in a Cessna. 

Jack also had a special closeness to nature, and spent much of his time outdoors, sketching his furry friends. He had a strong compassion for animals, and in his early years, worked with a local rescue organization. During this time, he appeared on a Boston-based television show called “Look,” in a short segment that showcased animals up for adoption.

Jack had an unending curiosity about the world and people, and he was funny, super smart, and charismatic. His sensitivity and depth of character showed through his work. The best thing about him, though, was his warmth, which would feel like the sun when you really needed it. He could always cheer you up or tell an inappropriate joke and get an entire room to laugh. He also was that guy who always found time to stop and help that person broken down on the road.

Jack Martin left an indelible mark upon this world and on anyone who knew him for five minutes.

He leaves behind five sisters: Deborah Lareau and Diane Jinson, of Massachusetts, and Sarah Aube, Jennifer Martin and Stacy Martin of Maine. He also leaves behind several brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many loving friends and relatives.

Friends and family are invited to attend a gathering to celebrate his life on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lilac House Farm, 118 Summer Street, Weston, Massachusetts. 

Arrangements have been made by Boston Cremation of Malden, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an animal shelter of choice. Feel free to visit Jack’s memorial website at https://jackmartinjr.weebly.com/