Jess Oldham

Jess Oldham, 39, of Fort Sumner, NM died Thursday, January 14, 2010 in an automobile accident near Post, Texas. He was born July 5, 1970 in Fort Sumner, NM the son of Florice "Tex" and Margaret Webb Oldham. Jess attended Fort Sumner Schools; during his high school years he worked at the local Exxon service station; following graduation he worked for Excel Beef in Friona, TX; he later worked for Allsup’s in Fort Sumner. For 10 years he drove a truck for WTI Inc. in Portales. He made his home in Abilene, TX from 2006-2009 where he worked as a diesel mechanic. For the past two months he was employed as a ranch hand for the C.W. Grissom ranch in Taiban, NM, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. Jess married Shelly Landrum on July 19, 1991 at The Church on The Hill in Fort Sumner, NM. Jess loved working on old Ford pickups, he was an avid Harley Davidson rider and enjoyed attending motorcycle rallies; he collected knives as a hobby and for many years has collected and accumulated an extensive collection of hot wheel cars. Jess was an outdoors man who loved to fish and camp. Jess was preceded in death by his father Tex Oldham on July 6, 1999; two brothers Ben Oldham, Alfred Oldham and a brother-in-law Johnny McClatchy. A loving husband, son, father, brother, uncle and friend, he will be missed by his family and many friends. Survivors include his wife Shelly Oldham of Abilene, TX; daughters Lacey Oldham of Abilene; Sabrina Daniel of San Antonio, TX; son Vincent Sena of Fort Sumner; grandson Abraham Michael Alvarez of San Antonio, TX; his mother Margaret Oldham of Fort Sumner, NM; six sisters Lutricia Drake and husband Ray of Lake Sumner, NM; Veola Wilson and husband Dan of Drummond, TN; Barbara Shaver of Hatch, NM; Louise McClatchy of Brownsboro, TX; Pat Fairchild and husband Doug of Santa Fe, NM; Frances Kitzlan and husband Pat of Michigan; a brother William "Sammy" Bracken and wife Heidi of St. Bonifacius, MN; a sister in law Mary Jo Oldham of Nevada, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM (M.S.T.) Wednesday, January 20, 2010 from The Church on The Hill in Fort Sumner with Pastor Anna Teeter officiating. Burial followed at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers were Gary Gaintner Jr., Brandal Noe, Billy Long, Dwayne Finney, Albert Sena, Darrell Moore, Scott Burge, Timmy Sena, Jonel Goodman , Steven Long and Lee Fulcher. Honorary bearers will be all his many friends. Arrangements were 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 visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com