Sad news reached DSC on arrival in Portugal yesterday evening of the passing of Jim Martyn, long-time track announcer, TV and radio commentator, who died after his health rapidly declined in recent weeks. He was just 64.

Jim was a part of the team in the early years of the American Le Mans Series radio team and remained a familiar voice, and face at North American circuits, in particular at his home track, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park where he was something of an institution as the resident announcer.

“It is with a heavy heart, that we have to let you all know that our father Jim Martyn has passed out of this life to the great PA booth in the sky,” his daughter Trice Martyn wrote while announcing his loss. “For all who knew him, he was sweet and kind, always had a smile and something nice to say or a sharp word.”

“All of us at IMSA are deeply saddened to hear the news of Jim Martyn’s passing,” outgoing IMSA president and former ALMS president Scott Atherton told RACER. “As the voice of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, he has been a key fixture there and at many other events throughout the years dating back to the ALMS days. He was a true friend of IMSA and motorsports of all kinds and I know everyone will miss hearing his voice coming across the PA.”

DSC’s Editor Graham Goodwin added: “I had the privilege to work alongside Jim in my very early years picking up a microphone. He was exactly the same guy in the booth as his voice suggested, utterly professional and ready with helpful advice and guidance before and after the red light came on. He was, most certainly, one of the good guys in motorsport.” DSC passes on heartfelt condolences to Jim’s family and friends