Everyone at Whitburn is saddened to learn of the death of Jim Martin, a band legend and the very first President of Whitburn Band. He was 93.
Jim, a trombonist, joined Whitburn just after the band became the Third Section National Champions of Great Britain in 1954.
In 1967, he was elected as the inaugural President of Whitburn in what proved to be one of the most defining moments in the band’s history. The following year, Whitburn became the Scottish Brass Band Champions for the very first time.
The result was seen as a big shock at the time, but under Jim’s leadership Whitburn continued to build and would go on to win the Scottish four times between 1970 and 1975, becoming one of the leading brass bands in the country.
Jim Martin, in the second row on the far right, was President of Whitburn Band from 1967 to 1975
Jim has always been a great supporter of Whitburn, and his grandson Stewart Brynes followed in his papa’s footsteps by becoming a member of Whitburn Band.
Jim was interviewed as part of a series to mark Whitburn Band’s 150th anniversary last year.
He commented: “What I’ve got out of my time with the band, and the years following it, is a wonderful friendship with a lot of nice people. Great friendships.”
Jim Martin, pictured with his trombone in the fourth seat from the right, was one of the most influential figures in Whitburn Band's history
Charlie Farren, Whitburn Band Chairman, said: “Everyone at Whitburn Band is deeply saddened at Jim’s passing.
“The Martin family and their wider family have a long and proud connection as brass players not only in Whitburn, but also in West Lothian and beyond.
“Jim was the first President of Whitburn Band following a change in how the band was run, and was the first of a very select group of people who are also few in number.
“He was a caring man with time for everyone and a good listener. He was great at guiding you in the right direction with only a few words.
“The Whitburn Band family send our prayers and condolences to all of Jim’s family and friends.”