Jake West

James "Jake" Wallace West, 85 of Fort Sumner, NM died Sunday, March 3, 2013 at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis, NM following an illness. Jake a lifelong resident of Fort Sumner was born December 24, 1927 to the home of Add Clyn West and the former Gracie Gay Lawson. Jake attended Fort Sumner Schools, participated in all sports and graduated in 1946. Following graduation he continued to support the school system by refereeing sports events and as a school bus driver. He worked for two years with the New Mexico State Highway Department. He then worked for Fort Sumner Lumber Company for 10 years, during that time he married his sweetheart of 5 1/2 years, Leona Frances Whinnery on June 21, 1950 in Fort Sumner. In addition to being a father and raising five children, he farmed, served 12 years on the Board of Directors for the Fort Sumner Irrigation District, and worked 30 years for the USDA ASCS in both De Baca and Guadalupe counties before retiring as County Executive Director. Over the years he served as president of the De Baca County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, De Baca Ex-Student’s Association, was committeeman for the historical book: "Living Waters” on families of De Baca County, and was a member of the Eastern Plains Council of Government, First Baptist Church and men’s bowling league. Jake was best known for raising watermelons, cantaloupe and many specialty melons for over 50 years and participating at growers markets in Santa Fe and Los Alamos for over 30 years. He was also responsible for many “anonymous” deliveries of melons and pumpkins to family, friends, schools and charities throughout the state. Jake was also known for making many appearances in the homes of De Baca County families on his birthday, Christmas Eve, wearing a red and white suit, jingling bells and shouting “Ho, Ho, Ho.” No additional padding was necessary. Jake is preceded in death by his parents, sister Addie Whittington, brother Denton West, brother Cecil West all in 2012, a sister Ozelle Ratliff Howe in 2003, brother Woodrow West in 1964 and brother Vane West in 1945. Jake is survived by Leona West, his wife of 62 years of the home in Fort Sumner, a daughter Jana Gray and husband Bill of Clovis, NM, four sons David James West of Fort Sumner, Kenneth Lane West of Fort Sumner, Alan Cecil West and wife Mary Claire of Fort Sumner, Terry Ross West and wife Patricia of Midland, TX, a brother Sidney "Red" West and his wife Peggy of Fort Sumner, three grandchildren Joslyn Hazard and her husband Patrick of Euless, TX, Ashley Fisher of Robinson, TX, and Jameson West of Midland, TX. Five great-grandchildren Alexandra West, Khloe West, of Midland, TX, Gavin Fisher, Ryan Fisher of Robinson, TX and Isla Bryn Hazard of Euless, TX, along with a special cousin Bob and wife Mary Ann West of Fort Sumner. Also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many well loved friends. Visitation hours will be Thursday, March 7, 2013 from 2pm - 6pm and Friday from 1pm to 6pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery with Rev. Jim Peabody officiating. Pallbearers will include Bill West, Mike West, Charlie West, Adam West, Caleb West, Jacob West, Jameson West and Matt West. The family reqeusts memorial contributions in Jake's memory to the Fort Sumner Ex-Student's Assn. c/o P.O. Box 5, Ft. Sumner, NM 88119 or the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 180, Ft. Sumner, NM 88119. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book, go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com