Larry Jay Martin

LJ Martin passed away peacefully at his home in Prescott, Arizona, on January 14, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 84.

The world has lost a gifted storyteller, prolific author, and creative force. Born Larry Jay Martin in Bakersfield, California, an oil and agricultural town he often referenced in his writing, he was raised there and attended local schools. In high school, he excelled in football and wrestling before attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he studied architecture.

Larry left college during his junior year to support his growing family. Though he started writing his first western at the age of 25, family responsibilities led him to set writing aside until his early 40s— when he returned to it with extraordinary dedication and success.

Over his lifetime, LJ Martin authored more than 70 fiction and non-fiction books and became a respected figure in Western, mystery, and thriller literature. He was a co-founder of Wolfpack Publishing and held memberships in the Society of Professional Journalists, Western Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers. In addition to his writing career, Larry was a licensed California real estate broker, appraiser, and general contractor.

His contributions to literature were widely recognized. He received the Western Writers of America Lariat Award for his impact on Western literature and, in 2023, the Will Rogers Medallion Award for lifetime achievement.

In April 1985, Larry married Kathleen Kelly, who later, with Larry’s encouragement, became a New York Times Bestseller. Together, they shared a life rooted in creativity, adventure, and travel. They lived in Bakersfield, California, later moved to Missoula, Montana, and for the past five years, wintered in Prescott, Arizona.

Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, traveling, and exploring the backcountry with his camera. His photography appeared on national magazine covers and in numerous publications, and much of his video work can be viewed on YouTube.

In recent years, LJ expanded his creative pursuits into film, serving as writer, director, and producer of two Western feature films: Eye for Eye, starring John Savage and Blanca Blanco, and Mr. Pettigrew, starring Eric Roberts, Shane Clouse, Chris Enss, Wyatt McCrae, and Davy Williams.

LJ Martin is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Kathleen “Kat” Martin; his three sons, Michael Martin of Bakersfield, California, Matthew Martin of Seattle, Washington, and Monte Martin of Missoula, Montana.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hassayampa Inn in Prescott, Arizona. Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.