Meet Jim(&Debbie) Marten
Jim Marten was born in 1955 and raised in Vancouver, BC. Jim was raised in a Christian home, began believing in Jesus at age 7 and accepted Christ at age 12. He married Debbie in 1976 and they moved to Abbotsford, BC. Jim and Debbie have one married daughter and two grandchildren. Jim began his working career as truck driver with Reimer Express Lines. (1974-1980) then moved to Woodworking and Vinal laminate plant Forman (1980 – 1984) Debbie and Jim began working in Ministry in 1984 working with Correction and emotionally disturbed Children with the OWAF in the South Okanogan of BC. During this time Jim worked directly with the students, as well working in the maintenance department and obtained his automotive Journeyman ticket. They had 17 foster children during this time. Debbie was mainly responsible for the Foster Children while Jim worked with the other kids. Due to government defunding this ministry work ended in 1993. In 1997, Jim began working at the EKATI Diamond mine, he worked as a Shift Boss and then as a Health and Safety Advisor. Jim also Obtained his Health and Safety certificate from BCIT as well as his CRSP. (Canadian Registered Safety Professional certification) Jim later met Brian Shaben while they were both working at EKATI. Jim retired from EKATI in 2015 to take care of His mom and dad and remains retired, but active.
Jim has served on two mission trips to Mexico, where he worked with a team of men to build homes, fix cars and make furniture. In his community Jim also works with his local church helping in the community where needed. Jim is an avid outdoorsman, golfer and loves spending time with his family.