Jerry Martinez Obituary

Former La Plata County resident Jerry Charles Martinez died of pulmonary artery disease Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in South Weber, Utah. He was 54.

Mr. Martinez was born to Delfinia Candelaria and Joe Delfin Martinez Sr., on July 29, 1958, in Kremmling. He was the youngest of two children.

He grew up in the Arboles and Ignacio area until he and his mother moved to Utah in 1970, where he graduated from St. Joseph's Catholic High School.

For 27 years, Mr. Martinez worked as a customer representative for business operations for the Internal Revenue Service in Ogden, Utah.

While working there, he met Jane Clark Hampton. The couple married in 1997 in Ogden.

Mr. Martinez volunteered with numerous groups. He served as an administrator and new chapter coordinator of Interactive Spiritual Partners for Internal Revenue Employees, president of Hispanic Internal Revenue Employees and volunteered for the I Can Read program and the American Dream Foundation. He helped with the Adopt-A-Highway program and taught confirmation class for St. Mary's Church.

His most recent passion was providing snacks and hats for oncology patients, his family said.

"One of Jerry's favorite activities was fishing with his family," his family said. "He was a lover of reggae music and a die-hard Denver Broncos fan. Jerry was a lover of life, a lifter of spirits and a tireless support to his friends and family."

Mr. Martinez is survived by his wife of 16 years, Jane Martinez, of South Weber; mother, Delfinia Lucero, of Ogden; daughter, Ambrosha Martinez, of San Diego; son, Brandon Martinez, of Seattle; stepsons William Hampton of Salt Lake City, Matthew Hampton of Ogden and Adam Hampton of Strawberry Reservoir, Utah; brother, Joe Martinez, of Ogden; and four grandchildren .

A memorial Mass was celebrated Friday, July 5, 2013, at St. Mary's Parish in West Haven, Utah. A celebration of life was held afterward.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to InSPIRE.