The Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office acknowledges the death of James B. Martin, the longest serving district attorney in the history of Lehigh County.

According to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and Forensic Center, Martin was pronounced dead 3:41 p.m. Aug. 15 at his home in Upper Saucon Township, Lehigh County. The manner of death is due to natural causes.

Martin spent most of his professional career in public service and served as the district attorney from 1998 to his retirement in January 2024, the district attorney’s office reported. 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, according to the district attorney’s office.

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 more than two decades in office, he served the citizens of Lehigh County with honor, dedication, integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice,” Coroner Daniel A. Buglio said. “His leadership and service had a profound and lasting impact on Lehigh County and its law enforcement and criminal justice communities.”

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, the district attorney’s office reported.

“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,” Buglio said.

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, the district’s attorney office said.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home.