James N. Joiner

James Nelson Joiner, 78 a longtime Fort Sumner farmer died Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at Roosevelt General Hospital in Portales following an illness. James was born November 10, 1927 in Peacock, Texas, the son of Otis R. and Martha Mae (Crawford) Joiner. James was raised in Portales, Taiban and Fort Sumner where he attended school. He began working road construction early in his life and continued as a finish blade operator for many years. James married Garnita Ford on March 16, 1946 in Portales. James and Garnita made their home in the Fort Sumner valley in 1962, he was a full time farmer and also worked for the Fort Sumner Irrigation District for nine years. He owned and operated the Valley Feed and Grain in Fort Sumner for 8 years. James also owned and operated a trucking company for several years that hauled grain and alfalfa throughout the state. He currently served on the Fort Sumner Irrigation District Board, was a charter member of the F.O.E. in Fort Sumner; and was a past member of the County Fair Board. He enjoyed reading western books and watching western movies on T.V. he was a great story teller. James was preceded in death by his wife Garnita Joiner in 2001; a brother Virgil Joiner and his parents. Survivors include two sons James and Rosalie Joiner; Ricky and Lisa Joiner all of Fort Sumner; a brother Robert Melvin Joiner and wife Evonna of Rio Rancho, NM; and a sister Letha Houston of Bernalillo, NM. Also surviving are four grandchildren Kylie Rose Joiner, Audrey Mauldin, Kacilyn Joiner and Dustin Joiner. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2006 from the First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery with Rev. Coy Brewer officiating. Pallbearers will be Knox Cortese, Billy Cones, Mark McCollum, Monty Terrell, Rosalio Rodriguez, and Albert Sena. Honorary bearers will include Joe Nichols, Nick Cortese, James Houston, Billy Joiner, Andy Green, Mike Webb, Billy Kyle, Donnie Cater, and all his friends and neighbors. The family prefers memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 10501 Montgomery Blvd, NE; Albuquerque, NM 87111. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM (505) 355-2311.