Jack Thomas Martin
It was through his church, Peasant Hill United Church of Christ, that Jack Martin first gained knowledge about Meharry Medical College.
"One day, I was at Pleasant Hill helping collect items for victims of an Alabama tornado," Martin said. "I learned that seven of my church members were donating their bodies to Meharry." Martin, who knew nothing about Meharry Medical College, was intrigued and wanted to know more about this medical school. The first thing he learned was Meharry's mission. From there, he heard about its history, students, alumni and purpose. He made the decision, that day, without even seeing the college, to donate his body to Meharry. "After the wonderful things I found out about Meharry, it was a done deal. Period. End of subject," he said. He asked his church members, "Now, where do I sign up?"
In December 2012, Martin visited Meharry, was given a tour of the campus, heard the president speak and had lunch with the students. "I was blown away by the whole experience," he said. "It was a wonderful day, one I will always cherish."
Martin soon established the Hickory Hill Scholarship Fund. Each April, he donates $20,000 to a worthy Meharry student. Martin said he has been blessed to be able to afford the maintenance of a scholarship such as this. "My soul said to do something for this wonderful institution and I did."
Martin knows the value of a good education, taught to him by his mother. "My family was big on education," he said. "My parents helped me with college, but, I was also fortunate to have government assistance. That's why the scholarships I started with Meharry are so meaningful."
In April 2014, Martin doubled his gift to $40,000. This, in turn, helped two students with their Meharry tuition.
Martin, now retired after 28 years with Lockheed Martin, lives in Crossville, Tennessee.
