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Funeral services for James "Jimmy Boy" Martinez, Jr. age 56 of Wahpeton, ND formally of Little Eagle, will be 1:00 PM Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the Little Eagle Blue Gym. Interment will be in the Good Shepherd Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. All night wake will begin at 5:00 PM on Friday, January 10, 2020 at the Little Eagle Blue Gym. James passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019 at St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge, MN.

Sundance Martinez " Wi Wayang Waci Hoksila" was born on August 3 ^rd , 1963 to James Joseph Martinez Sr. and Irene Dog Eagle Martinez in Oglala South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. His birth at Ceremony, later reflected his kind hearted ways, in which he lived until his passing on December 29 ^th , 2019. Sundance as he was known at birth, was given his Uncle Emmanuel Robert's Lakota name, Mahto Ogle "Bear Coat", upon his return to the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Later, he received the name of Palani Gi Ka "light skinned enemy, or light skinned Arikara" because the name, Bear Coat, was given to another relative. In his younger years he carried the Lakota names, then was acknowledged as James Joseph Martinez Jr. James grew up on the Little Oak Creek, 7 Miles southwest of Little Eagle South Dakota, to what is known today as Martinez Bridge. He lived there with his father and mother and later moved to Little Eagle, near what was known as the old pump house. His father became employed as a bus driver and janitor for the Little Eagle Day School.

James spent his youngers years on the south side of Little Eagle. He soon became known as Jimmy Boy. This name stayed with him even as he grew out of his adolescent years into manhood. Jimmy Boy was introduced to singing and dancing at a young age. His father and mother would go visit other families nearby. A Grandpa by the name of Frank White Buffalo Man would be singing on his hand drum so Jimmy Boy, despite his handicap, would dance and enjoy the singing. This introduction, along with his father's participation in worship revivals, later became the passion he would carry on for many people at various gatherings. His father and mother, along with his sister Darlene, moved briefly to Arizona, so his father could be certified to hold theses revivals. When they returned from Arizona, they moved to Mclaughlin, where his father assisted and participated in various Revival worships. They continued to travel near and far partaking in worship, prayer and revival gatherings. He also grew close to Captain Josiah Kills Crow and enjoyed his time as they learned and sang songs of worship. Listening to Gospel hymns became his passion for singing songs of praise.

They resided south of McLaughlin near the Bullhead Junction, for a brief time and upon the passing of his mother, they moved back to Mclaughlin. His mother, Irene, passed away in 1979, thus ending the many travels. While residing in McLaughlin, Jimmy Boy and his father became friends with many of the non-native folks in the area. Most memorable were the times eating at the local burger place known as the Jo Dee. Him and his father were always thankful for the hospitality and comfort they received by the Walter and Bernice Schmidt Family and Wayne and Mary Maiers Family. Jimmy Boy took a brief stay at the Live Center in Lemmon South Dakota but returned to Mclaughlin. Him and his father stayed off and on with his sisters, Geraldine, Darlene, Marletta and Magdalina. The passing of his father in the summer of 1986, affected him very much. He soon found himself wandering more and more as time passed. Although he seemed lost, he tried his best to help with the Bear Soldier community as a Security Officer under the Drug Elimination task force program with the Standing Rock Housing Authority. He enjoyed his many adventures with the men of Bear Soldier and at times patrolling with BIA Law Enforcement. His heart and mind far exceeded the handicap he had. Jimmy Boy sometimes found himself all alone in an office or at an announcer stand, standing guard and ensuring his duties where never left undone. At times he would be sitting there asleep but would never leave his post until his tour of duty was completed. We can remember him by his Security cap, his jacket, a small badge pinned on him and a flash light. For a short time, he was a dispatcher with the Standing Rock Ambulance service. He continued to assist in his part by helping at the local bingo halls in Bear Soldier and the Big Foot bingo in Little Eagle, as a Security Guard, picking up trash or serving coffee. Jimmy boy loved what he did and hardly ever complained. One such time memory shared; he was picking up trash at the bingo hall but couldn't keep up with the games. He soon found a little break so he took some time to sit. When asked if he was ok because of his apparent exhaustion, he responded by "yah but my hind legs hurt". Once again, he made a stay at the Live Center in Lemmon. The assisted care facilities would soon take away a good portion of his adult life. In between his stays, he would come home and spend time with family and friends. He picked up again on that passion of singing, that he learned in his younger years. You would see Jimmy Boy hitch hiking to attend powwows or to pay respects to families who lost a loved one. Jimmy boy attended many wakes and funerals sharing his recordings, singing songs or playing his guitar. At times he would be proud of a blanket he received or a gift a family gave him. Jimmy Boy did not understand the value of a money like most people do, more importantly he valued simple things such as a meal, a blanket or hand shake. To him, he felt more appreciated by those who said thank you rather than that of a monetary gift. The strumming of his guitar, his way of singing gospel songs, or his playing of his one speaker tape recorder, will forever be remembered by all those who had the chance to acknowledge his gift he gave us all.

"Hoka hey Jimmy Boy" soon became another memory that will be cherished. Jimmy Boy found a liking to having his time on the radio. The late Rocky Archambault gave him the opportunity to enjoy himself, laugh, and do the call sign for KLND Radio 89.5 FM. Ol Padre, as he was known, took Jimmy under his wing and let him be part of his show. Time seemed to have passed so quickly, from the time of his radio days to the passing of his friend. He is now reunited and spinning them tunes, with the Ol Padre, at the Radio Station in the sky. "Hoka hey Jimmy Boy" "You are tuned into the best Indian radio station KLND 89.5, Little Eagle South Dakota US of A"

His health was deteriorating, to the point he became hospitalized more often. After recovering, he made his way back to assisted living, at the Golden Living center, in Mobridge South Dakota. His sister, Marletta, passed away in March of 2011, while a resident there. He took her passing very hard because he was able to spend time with her on a daily basis. Although her health was not the best, he felt the comfort of family and was always happy to spend time with her. From there, he was moved to Underwood North Dakota, Jamestown North Dakota, and then to Wahpeton North Dakota, where he remained until his passing. He made many friends, while being in assisted living, and became a recognized individual to many. In 2015, 2016, and 2017, while at St. Catherine's assisted care in Wahpeton North Dakota, he was able to enjoy some trips to see the Minnesota Twins play professional baseball, in Minneapolis. He would call back and share, with excitement, how much he enjoyed his vacation get a ways. Not very many us could say we watched professional sports, but Jimmy Boy did. Although he was very much missed, the family knew he was happy and enjoyed his home in Wahpeton. In 2017, he made his final visits to see family at Fort Yates, North Dakota and to share a meal with family and friends. In September of the same year, he came back and attended the Annual United Tribes powwow in Bismarck North Dakota. At that time, he had the opportunity to see his older sister, Arlene Benson. This visit would be an emotion one for him and his sister. Many years passed since the last time they comforted each other in their presence. A happy and tearful reunion they shared, for it was the last time they would see each other. His sister Arlene passed away in November of 2017, leaving behind him and his sisters, Geraldine and Darlene.

No matter how tough life could have been, Jimmy Boy always had a smile on his face. He would make the best of anything that came his way. In his eyes, life was good because his heart was pure. His life long struggles with his handicaps, did not prevent him from doing what he wanted to do. If there was a way to simply remember the Life of James "Jimmy Boy" Martinez Jr., it would be…. Don't let life's struggles restrict your ability to live life to its fullest. He will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched, the many friends he friended and all those who gave him the time to be the man he was. His memory will forever be remembered and cherished. His Sun finally set at 4:47 pm on December 29 ^th , 2019 in Breckenridge Minnesota, leaving behind no children.

He is survived by two sisters, Geraldine (Frank) Jamerson of Little Eagle, Darlene (Delbert) Chasing Hawk of Fort Yates North Dakota. Adopted Brother James (Helen) Parisien of Mobridge South Dakota, Uncle Vernon (Theo) Iron Cloud of Wakpala South Dakota, Aunt Juanita Iron shield of Fort Yates North Dakota, Uncle Kenny Little of Fort Yates North Dakota, Uncle Walt Hernandez of Manderson South Dakota, Nephews: Adrian Martinez, Terry Martinez, Patrick Noisy Hawk, Dana Comes Last, Frank, Henry Jr., and William Red Legs, Billy, T.J. and David Ridley, Melvin Martinez, Bryan Swift Cloud, Frank and Francis Jamerson, Colan Walks, Shannon Zephier, Adopted nephew Wesley White Eagle, Bobbie Sudden Brave, Tyrone Sudden Brave, Jeremy Martinez, Dean Yellow Hawk, and Jasper Iron Cloud and also many grandsons and great grandsons too numerous to mention. Also survived by nieces: Melinda, Ann, and Lila Long Feather, Rhea and Marliss Martinez, Deidra Zephier, Mary and Ernestine Jamerson, Tresita Ann, Almira, Patricia and Arlene Red Legs, Darla, Lynette, Lauri, and Patricia Ridley, Marilynn, Jan, and Heidi Benson, Christine Pay Pay, Vernetta, Verna, and Verlinda Iron Cloud and also many granddaughters and great granddaughters too numerous to mention.

He is preceded in death by his father James Martinez Sr., mother Irene Dog Eagle Martinez, brothers Emmanuel Robert, Carlos, and Marcel Martinez, Sisters Ruth Yellow Hawk, Magdalina Red Legs, Marletta Looking Horse, Lavera Martinez, Arlene Benson, Grandmother Julia Dog Eagle Helper, Uncles Lewellyn Uses Arrow, Arnold Dog Eagle, Aunts Edith Long Feather, Lillian Takes the Gun, Nephews Bruce Martinez, Clarence Pay Pay Jr., Alfredo, Orlando, and Terrance Red Legs, Sam, Thomas, and Ronald Long Feather, Lance Walks, Brian Paul Martinez, Tyrell Sudden Brave, Duwayne Yellow Hawk, Jeremy Black Elk Martinez, Arnold Iron Cloud, Theron Iron Cloud, Marcel Martinez, Nieces Henrietta Red Legs, Marianne Pay Pay, Cheryl Long Feather, Paulette Long Chase, and Tammy Martin.