Remembrance: Joseph R. "Joe" Martinez

April 25, 1948—Feb. 2, 2026 

Joseph R. “Joe” Martinez, a lifelong farmer and resident of Winters, died Feb. 2 at his home in Winters. He was 77.

Born and raised in Winters, Martinez devoted his life to his family and to strengthening the communities of Yolo and Solano counties and championing the agricultural heritage of California, said Lisa Shipley, former executive director of Solano County Farm Bureau.

He was a member and lifelong supporter of FFA (Future Farmers of America). He earned his Greenhand Star in 1962, received his state FFA degree in 1966 and went on to serve as California FFA president from 1967–1968. 

“His leadership in FFA shaped not only his own path but also inspired countless young people to pursue futures in agriculture,” Shipley said. 

Martinez continued to advocate for FFA throughout his life, “always eager to support the next generation of agricultural leaders,” she added.

He played a leading role in the development of the Winters Health Care Foundation and the Solano County Farm Bureau Ag Education Foundation. His work expanded access to health care, strengthened agricultural education and ensured that rural voices were represented in decisions that shaped their future, Shipley said.

Shipley described Martinez as “a respected community leader who spent years serving on local boards and working to shape policy that supported farmers, ranchers and rural families.”

He served on the California Farm Bureau Board of Directors from 2016-2025, representing District 11, which encompasses Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties. He was also an active board member of the Solano County Farm Bureau for more than 25 years, serving as president from 2008–2010. At the time of his death, Martinez was serving on the Solano County Farm Bureau Board, the Solano County Farm Bureau Ag Education Foundation Board and the Solano Land Trust Board.

“Joe will be remembered for his warmth, humility and unwavering dedication to his family and the people and places he loved,” Shipley said. “He had a remarkable ability to bring people together, listen with intention, and lead with strength and compassion.”

Martinez is survived by his wife of 44 years, Shelly Martinez, two sons, Brett Martinez and Ryan Martinez—both born and raised in Winters—and granddaughter, Robyn Martinez. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Robyn Martinez, and his mother and father, Ysabel and Cristobal Martinez.

A celebration of Martinez’s life will be held March 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Tenbrink Orchards, 5200 Thissell Road, Winters, where family, friends and community members are invited to gather to honor him. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to California FFA Association, 13020 Stockton Blvd., Galt, CA 95632 or www.calaged.org, reflecting Martinez’s lifelong dedication to agriculture, education and rural communities.

“Joe’s impact will be felt for years to come—in the organizations he strengthened, the policies he helped shape and the countless individuals he inspired through a lifetime of service,” Shipley said.