John Clinton Perkins Martin Sr.

John Clinton Perkins Martin, Sr. was born June 8, 1932, in New Bern, North Carolina, the first child of Reverend George Clinton Martin and Pearlie Mae Ridley Martin. JC or John Clinton, as he was called by family and friends, enjoyed school, fishing and crabbing. Martin attended grade school at West Street School. John professed Christ and was baptized in March of 1945 at Guilfield Baptist Church in New Bern, North Carolina by Reverend T.T. Chivers. In 1950, he graduated from West Street High School. Martin earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Shaw University with a physical education major and minor in Biology. It was also while attending Shaw that he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated in 1955. Martin also earned a Masters in physical education from Springfield College and completed coursework towards a Doctor of Physical Education. In 1961, Martin met the love of his life, Ann Battles. He and Ann were married June 5, 1962. John’s illustrious career spanned nearly forty years. Coach Martin, as he is affectionately known, created many successful sports programs and teams during his years as a college coach and administrator. Coach Martin started his career at historic Kittrell College. After a successful stint, he moved to Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee from 1959-1986. He was an Associate Professor of Physical Education, coached the Track and Field and Cross Country teams and served as the Athletic Director. At Fisk, Martin built two programs, baseball and track and field. The track and field program grew to a great, national powerhouse. Coach Martin led the Bulldogs to numerous SIAC and national championships and produced several All-Americans. Coach Martin also produced two World Record holders during his time at Fisk. His innovative spirit and strong social networking led him to partner with WVOL 1400 to establish the Fisk Jubilee Cross Country Invitational, a prestigious event ahead of its time. Martin’s administrative success led others to tap him for prestigious appointments. He served as president of the NCAA Track Coaches Association, Chairman of NCAA Division III and coach for the Guyana South American Track and Field team. He served as Director for NCAA Regional Championships and NCAA Division I-AA Southern Regional Playoff games. In 1986, Martin was appointed by then Delaware State College President Luna I. Mishoe to head the Hornets’ athletics department. He held the position until 1996. During Martin’s tenure, Delaware State’s men’s and women’s programs were each recognized as tops in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Under Martin’s leadership, the Hornets won four MEAC football championships (1987, ’88, ’89, ’91), along with conference titles in volleyball (1986), men’s and women’s indoor track and field (1987), baseball (1989), men’s cross country (1989), women’s cross country (1990) and men’s outdoor track & field (1992). In 1987, Delaware State received the MEAC’s Mary McLeod Bethune All-Sports Award for overall excellence in women’s sports. The Hornets were presented with the Talmadge Hill Award for overall excellence in men’s sports in 1990. Martin, a huge proponent of equity, was Director of Athletics when the softball program was formed at Delaware State in 1992. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the school’s Athletics Compliance Office and a major proponent of the NCAA’s Academic Enhancement Program, which provides funding for academic assistance at member institutions. In addition, he spearheaded ambitious, successful football events featuring the Hornets in the Motor City Classic at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan in 1992 and he brought FAMU football and the world famous Marching 100 to Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia in the Philadelphia Football Classic in 1994. Martin also helped negotiate the first athletics competition between Delaware State and University of Delaware teams. The Hornets defeated the Blue Hens in men’s basketball 99-95 in the first head-to-head meeting between teams from the state’s two Division I schools in 1991. He was inducted into the Delaware State University Athletics Hall-of-Fame in 2001. After retirement, “Martin” as he was called by his wife and best friend, Ann, declared that he was going to be a full time grandfather. He introduced himself as “the Big Daddy” and lived his persona in everything he did. Big Daddy continued his life in Kappa, reaping many awards for his dedication and service. He earned his 50 Year membership in 2005. Dover Alumni Chapter bestowed the Kappa Man of the Year on him also in 2005. John C. P. Martin, Sr. will be remembered with love by his devoted wife of 55 years, Ann B. Martin. To cherish their memories of him and to celebrate his life, he leaves one son John, Jr. (Ronica); three daughters, Linda Stewart (Phil), Michele (Leroy, Sr.), and DeDe Ashton (Russell); grandsons, Leroy, Jr. (Jennifer), John, III, and Joshua; granddaughters, Teresa, Courtney Ann and DeBorah; sister, Gwendolyn Milteer; two nephews, Rev. Andre Milteer and Joseph Milteer (Elizabeth); and many other loving relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Clinton Perkins Martin Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

John Clinton Perkins Martin Sr.

June 8, 1932 - August 24, 2017