The news that former Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin died Saturday quickly spread in Lehigh Valley legal and political circles.
Tributes poured in from Martin’s colleagues in the DA’s office, other Lehigh County officials and even the Roman Catholic bishop of the Allentown Diocese.
Below is a sampling of those remembrances:
Gavin Holihan, Lehigh County DA who succeeded Martin
“During his tenure, he transformed the office of the district attorney into a regional investigative agency in support of all Lehigh County law enforcement … During his years as District Attorney, the criminal justice system in Lehigh County grew substantially and his office kept pace Attorney Martin hired, supervised and mentored more than a generation of trial attorneys.
“His impact on hundreds of attorneys can be felt in the legal landscape throughout the region. He also played a leadership role in the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association helping to bring consistency and professionalism to criminal prosecution across the Commonwealth. While we mourn his passing, we acknowledge his numerous accomplishments and undertake the continuing burden he recognized of always moving forward in the interest of justice.”
Daniel A. Buglio, Lehigh County coroner
“During his more than two decades in office, he served the citizens of Lehigh County with honor, dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His leadership andservice had a profound and lasting impact on Lehigh County and its law enforcement and criminal justice communities. His passing marks the loss of a respected former public official and dedicated public servant whose career touched countless colleagues, agencies, families, and members of the community throughout the years.
“On a personal note, I extend my deepest respect and sincere condolences to Mr. Martin’s family, friends, former colleagues, and the entire law enforcement community. Jim servedLehigh County with distinction and leaves behind a remarkable legacy of public service, leadership, and dedication that will not be forgotten.”
South Whitehall Township Police Department
“Throughout his decades guiding county prosecution, Jim Martin served as an indispensable ally to municipal police officers. He recognized early on that protecting our neighborhoods required strong unity among local departments, and he consistently provided our officers and detectives with the strategic backing, resources, and legal guidance necessary to resolve complex criminal investigations. His focus on modernizing regional intelligence sharing, elevating investigative standards, and holding dangerous offenders accountable fundamentally transformed how we safeguard South Whitehall Township.
“Above all, Mr. Martin maintained an uncompromising focus on seeking justice for those harmed by crime and ensuring that officers on the street had unwavering institutional support. His legacy is woven into the daily operations of local law enforcement and the enduring security of our region. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and former colleagues during this time of remembrance.”
U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie
“District Attorney Martin was a devoted public servant, a pillar of our community, and a proud American. Throughout his long career, Jim dedicated each day to upholding the rule of law and pursuing justice for victims. His efforts earned him the respect, trust, and admiration of the community that he worked so hard to protect. Our prayers are with his family as they mourn the loss of this exceptional leader.”
Josh Siegel, Lehigh County executive
“He was a faithful and dedicated public servant and he was an extraordinarily thoughtful and innovative district attorney. He brought great programs to the county, from Blue Guardian to help individuals who were recovering from opioids get connected to the services they needed, and he founded the [Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center], which completely modernized the way that police shared information and made local police a lot more effective at fighting crime and keeping the community safe. He was very good at the job.”
George Rivera, Lehigh County GOP chair
“Jim dedicated his life to public service, the pursuit of justice, and the people of our community. His commitment to Lehigh County and to the responsibilities he carried will leave a lasting legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family, his friends, and the many colleagues who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him throughout his distinguished career. As someone who cares deeply about our community and the tradition of public service in Lehigh County, I am grateful for the many years Jim gave to serving others. May Jim Martin rest in peace, and may his legacy of service never be forgotten.”
Candida Affa, Allentown City Council member
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former District Attorney Jim Martin. I knew Jim for many years. We shared many days on the golf course. Jim was a man of integrity and as a district attorney for over two decades, went beyond and above his job. You can always count on Jim to do an outstanding job. Just look at his record. It’s unbelievable. We were fortunate to have him as an Attorney for so many years. Rest in peace my friend you and your wife are once again join together.”
Bishop Alfred Schlert, Diocese of Allentown
“For many years, DA Martin served the people of Lehigh County with distinction. He was a champion for justice and for the safety and well-being of our community, carrying out his responsibilities with dedication, courage, and a deep concern for others. DA Martin also worked with the Diocese over the years, offering support to the Church in her efforts to protect children and young people. His commitment to protecting the most vulnerable was an important part of his service to our community, and the Diocese appreciated his support in these efforts.
“I will remember DA Martin with gratitude for his many years of public service and for his steadfast commitment to the common good. His passing is a loss to his family, his colleagues in law enforcement, the Diocese, and the entire Lehigh County community.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family, friends, former colleagues in law enforcement, and all who mourn his passing. We give thanks to God for the gift of his life and for the many ways in which he served others.”
Debbie Garlicki, former Morning Call reporter hired by Martin as executive aide
“I’m kind of at a loss for words, and that’s unusual for me. He always treated me fairly and with respect when I was a reporter back when he was first assistant district attorney under Bill Platt and then when he became district attorney. We didn’t always agree then or when I worked in his office as executive aide, but he respected my opinions and experience (and the fact that I was a Pittsburgh sports fan. He loved his Phillies).
“He was an innovative and forward-thinking DA and started many programs to benefit the community and law enforcement’s crime-fighting efforts. Among those are the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center, the Officer David M. Petzold Digital Forensics Laboratory, the Veterans’ Mentor Program, the Elder Abuse Task Force and presentations to schools on sexting and other topics. He was a visionary whose legacy will help people for generations to come. He could be very stern but had a keen sense of humor and was a formidable opponent in a courtroom.”