Remembering our Founder and Biggest Champion
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Children’s Village’s founder and longtime Board member Jim Martin passed away on May 7th, 2025.
More than 50 years ago, in his role at Philadelphia’s Council for Labor and Industry, Jim had the vision to create Children’s Village. His background was not in early childhood education, but rather economic development. To support workers in Philadelphia’s garment industry, the Council for Labor and Industry created the Garment Center at 801 Arch Street. Children’s Village was an integral part of that project. The mission of Children’s Village then and today remains the same - to promote a society that is fair, compassionate, and economically vibrant by ensuring all children have access to quality education services.
Jim’s list of accomplishments is vast, and he had a huge role in the labor industry in Philadelphia. Yet those close to him will agree, one of his proudest accomplishments was his leadership role at Children’s Village. Whether serving on the Board of Directors for decades, including that of Board President, or as one of our greatest champions, Children’s Village was always a big part of Jim’s life. Jim will always be an integral part of Children’s Village and he will be missed terribly. You can read Jim’s obituary here: James Martin Obituary
Just prior to his passing, Jim was very involved in planning activities to celebrate Children’s Village’s 50th Anniversary in 2026. As part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations - we will be honoring Jim and continuing his vision of leveraging private, public, and philanthropic partnerships to support and empower working families. Our Board of Directors is currently working on establishing an endowment in his memory.
Jim’s legacy lives on in the thousands of children who have received loving care and high quality early education at Children’s Village.
May 5, 1979 - Jim Martin speaks at the Day Care and American Family Conference he helped to organize at Children’s Village. At this event, local business leaders discussed how intentionally integrating quality child care for working families creates a wide range of benefits for families, employers, and the community.
Children’s Village’s first Logo
June 8, 2006 - Jim with RoseAnn Rosenthal, Children’s Village’s first director, Mary Graham, Children’s Village’s current director, and Joe Egan at the center’s 30th Anniversary celebration.
September 12, 2019 - Jim receiving a service award from Mary Graham and Meredith Jermann, Children’s Village’s Board President, for his long time commitment to our center.