Jimmy Benjamin Gonzales

Jimmy B. Gonzales, 68, a resident of Fort Sumner, NM died Monday, December 24, 2001 at St. Joseph Hospital in Albuquerque following an illness. Jimmy was born August 3, 1933 in Joeffree, NM to the home of Julian and Olympia (Salas) Gonzales. He was raised at Vaughn and Taiban, NM. He graduated from Fort Sumner High School in 1951 where he participated in sports including boxing with the New Mexico Golden Gloves Association. Jimmy served in the United States Marines Corps from April 2, 1954 until his honorable discharge on April 1, 1957. Jimmy attended Eastern New Mexico University where he received his Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, and his Masters Degree at New Mexico State University. While at NMSU, Jimmy did graduate work for the college at White Sands Missile Range. Jimmy worked as an Oil Field Worker for a short time. He lost a leg in a oil field accident in 1958. Jimmy was employed as a surveyor for the New Mexico State Highway Department until his retirement in 1976. Jimmy was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #8331 and the Fort Sumner Eagles Club. He was also a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother Demetrio “Buddy” Gonzales in 1933. Survivors include four sons Jimmy B. Gonzales Jr. and wife Veronica of Albuquerque; Greg Gonzales and wife Charlene of Bothell, WA; Bill Gonzales and wife Michelle; Sam Gonzales and wife Dodie; two daughters Becky Gonzales and fiancé Larry Cordova; and Mary Helen Jaramillo and husband David all of Albuquerque. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, one brother Manuel Gonzales of Yuma, Arizona, two sisters Mary Lovato of Fort Sumner and Navora Richardson of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday, December 28, 2001 from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner, NM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from the church on Saturday, Dec. 29th at 10:00 A.M. with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Winn, Greg Gonzales, Bill Gonzales, Sam Gonzales, Robert Gonzales, and Manuel Gonzales. Visitation will be held Thursday and Friday from 1PM to 6PM at the funeral home. The family prefers memorials to the American Diabetes Association, 525 San Pedro Drive NE; Albuquerque, NM 87108. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 North Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico.