MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — State Rep. Jimmy Martin, a longtime member of the Alabama Legislature, has died. He was 80.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s office said the Clanton lawmaker died Friday morning after being diagnosed with cancer.
House members held a moment of silence Friday morning to remember Martin.
House Republicans issued a statement recalling Martin as a reassuring friend who offered encouragement to legislators of both parties. They said Martin was devoted to his district and a valuable source of institutional knowledge.
Martin served 17 years in the House of Representatives. He was elected in 1998 and won every election but one.
Before joining the Legislature, Martin served as Chilton County coroner, a post that was something of a family tradition. Multiple generations of the Martin family were elected coroner.