John A. "Jack" Martin, Sr., SE

December 12, 1919  -  December 3, 2011

“There are those who imagine and those who create. When they come together it’s magic.”  – John A. Martin

John Alfred “Jack” Martin, 91, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2011 in Redondo Beach, California. Born in Spokane, WA in 1919, Jack used his analytical skills and intellect to shape the course of his life. He was one of the preeminent structural engineers in the Western U.S. and founder of the Martin Associates Group of engineering companies, including the Los Angeles headquarters, John A. Martin & Associates, Inc.  Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Effie “Nona” Martin in 1987.

Jack is survived by his eldest son and CEO of John A. Martin & Associates, John A. “Trailer” Martin, Jr. of Redondo Beach, CA, daughter-in-law Patricia and grandchildren John A. “Trip” Martin, III, Michael Bauer and Margaret “Peggy” Martin; his son Randall Martin and granddaughter Julia Tiffany of Newport Beach, CA; and his daughter Jamie Martin and grandsons Jack Otto, Brett West, and Reed West of Denver, CO.

Even as a young man, Jack put his analytical prowess to work “engineering” his future. Although college had not been in Jack’s plans, at the age of 19 he was invited to play baseball for U.C. Berkeley and received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1943, the result of an aptitude for mathematics. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1941 and from 1943 to 1946 he completed Reserve Officer Training at Annapolis and served on the destroyer USS Russell in the Pacific Ocean. He later served as an engineering officer on the carrier USS Antietam.  After the war Jack returned to Los Angeles and went to work for Brandow & Johnson Structural Engineers. In 1953, he founded John A. Martin & Associates, a business enterprise that would ultimately become one of the world’s largest privately owned structural/civil engineering companies.  From the downtown high-rise structures to the condominiums in the Wilshire-Westwood corridor, to various Convention Centers around Southern California, the Staples Center Arena and the LAX business district, it is difficult to find a Los Angeles area neighborhood without some building engineered by John A. Martin & Associates.

Over an active career of more than 50 years, Jack Martin touched the lives of countless people. Jack proved himself repeatedly in the eyes of his clients and colleagues as an innovator, explorer and mentor. His natural interest in construction and tectonics, collaborative style, and fierce loyalty helped nurture relationships with private and public clients while his unique combination of intellect, tenacity and pragmatism brought invaluable lessons to the engineers, architects and contractors he worked with.

Jack also believed strongly in a culture of helping others. His generous contributions, both professionally and personally, have been recognized by numerous organizations including the Los Angeles Council of Christians and Jews, from whom he received the 1990 Humanitarian Award and the American Legion for his founding of several youth baseball leagues.

A private memorial service will be held on New Year’s Day to scatter ashes in the Pacific Ocean. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to The Make a Wish Foundation or the Salvation Army of Southern California.