James Martin

James Rooney Martin BEM (13 March 1931 – 18 February 2025) was a Scottish film and television actor. He is best known for playing Eric in the sitcom Still Game, in which he was one of the few actors who was actually an old age pensioner. Prior to acting, Martin served in the Royal Navy from 1949 until 1956 before joining the Royal Navy Reserves.

Life and career Early life Born in Partick in Glasgow, for many years Martin lived in Musselburgh, East Lothian. Before working on Still Game, he was a helper working at Campie Primary School's after-school club in the town.

Royal Navy

Martin joined the Royal Navy in 1949 when he was 17 years old. During his time working on the series Barmy Aunt Boomerang, Martin met with Michael Hines who was working on a new Scottish sitcom. Martin was offered the role of "Auld Eric" in the sitcom which became known as Still Game, a role he played during both inceptions of the show, first from 2002 until 2007, and again from 2016 until 2019.

Death

Martin died on 18 February 2025, at the age of 93. He died at the Erskine Edinburgh Retirement Home in the city of Edinburgh, and is survived by his wife Christine, daughter Jennifer and granddaughters Laura and Elaine. His funeral occurred on 7 March 2025 at Mortonhall Crematorium and was attended by his Still Game co–stars, members of The Royal Navy Association and staff from the Erskine Edinburgh Retirement Home. His coffin was draped in the Royal Navy white ensign flag.

Filmography