The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensic Center announces the death of retired district attorney James B. Martin.

Martin, a resident of Upper Saucon Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, was

pronounced dead on Saturday at 3:41 p.m. at his residence. He died of natural causes.

Mr. Martin devoted much of his professional life to public service and the administration of justice, serving as Lehigh County District Attorney from 1998 through 2024. 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 and

service 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.

“Jim served Lehigh County with distinction and leaves behind a remarkable legacy of public service, leadership, and dedication that will not be forgotten, said Coroner Daniel A. Buglio,

The Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office released a statement about Martin, the longest serving district attorney in the history of Lehigh County.

During his tenure, he transformed the office of the district attorney into a regional investigative agency in support of all Lehigh County law enforcement.

Under his term, the office developed the Child Advocacy Center, the Homicide Task Force, the Elder Abuse Task Force, the David M. Petzold Digital Forensic Laboratory and the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center.

He was also instrumental in creating the Veteran’s Mentoring Program, the Central Booking Facility and the county’s first Drug Treatment Court.

He also brought on the first companion dog, Ramona, to support victims and witnesses.

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.