Christopher Adam Martinez

On Sunday, July 11, 2021, Christopher Adam Martinez, loved son and brother, breathed his last breath on earth and entered the presence of Jesus at the age of 34. Christopher was born in Santa Cruz, CA on September 23, 1986, to Joe and Pam Martinez.  

Christopher was homeschooled in the Santa Cruz, CA area and then went to high school in Templeton, CA when his family moved to Atascadero, CA.  He was known in high school for his basketball skills and singing and theatrical flair. He traveled to Africa with Athletes in Action directly after high school. He went to Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA for three years, with studies concentrated in Political Science and theater. He served with Youth With A Mission in Pichilemu, Chile, and ministered in other parts of South America.  He received his ESL teaching certification in Spain. His love for travel took him to Central America where he explored his family roots in Nicaragua.

For a time, Christopher settled in Santa Cruz, CA, and worked at Seascape Beach Resort as well as Margaritaville and Shadowbrook restaurants. He loved Santa Cruz; the beaches, and the culture. He was fond of walking along East Cliff Drive and Pleasure Point. When he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, he worked for Renewal by Anderson as a salesman and recruiter, earning high awards for salesmanship in the company. He was known for his big personality and his quick sense of humor. He enjoyed sports but was especially loyal to his favorite soccer team, Liverpool FC.  His strong sense of justice motivated Christopher to be active in politics and participate as a mentor in summer camps for children of incarcerated persons through Angel Tree’s Camp 180 in Arizona. 

Christopher is survived by his family: parents, Joe and Pam Martinez of Capitola, CA; sister Daniella Indie of Queen Creek, AZ; brother Jeffrey Martinez of Santa Cruz, CA; sister Cassidy Martinez of Corralitos, CA; and brother Mark Martinez of Capitola, CA, as well as brothers- and sisters-in-law, 3 nieces, 3 nephews, many cousins, aunts, and uncles who will miss him so much. 

An outdoor memorial service will be held in Santa Cruz, CA on Sunday, September 26 at 1 pm at the amphitheater at Coastlands Church 280 State Park Drive, Aptos, CA. Memorial donations will be taken for Camp 180  P.O. Box 4774, Arizona City, AZ, 85123 or use Venmo @Virginia-Coco with a note for the Christopher Martinez scholarship fund.