James R. Stanton

James Ranger Stanton, 55 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away Saturday, December 10, 2022 at University Medical Center in Lubbock, TX following an illness. James was born August 13, 1967 in Tucumcari, NM to the home of Vernon W. and Velma (Lovato) Stanton. He attended school in Tucumcari before moving to Fort Sumner where he completed high school, graduating in 1985. James married Elizabeth “Liz” Tasker on August 11, 1989 in Long Beach, California. James served in the U.S. Navy, his Primary Specialty was Master Diver, Salvage Construction Demolition Diver, and also served 14 years as a Navy Law Enforcement Specialist and Fire Control Technician. His decorations, awards, and citations include Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy “E” Ribbon, Good Conduct, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Pistol Shot Medal. His military courses included CPO Leadership Training, Master Diver, Salvage Construction Demolition Diver, Diver First Class, Diver Second Class, MK56 Gun Fire Control System, Law Enforcement training, Shipboard Security Engagement Tactics, Fire Controlman, and Basic Electronics. After 20 years of Honorable service, James retired from the Navy on June 30, 2005. James and Liz made Fort Sumner their home. James enjoyed the company of his friends and family, listening to his music, cruising in his pickup, fishing, working on anything mechanical, rebuilding Jeeps, and spending time with Wally, his furry companion and close friend. James is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Vernon Stanton and sister Anna Belle Pierce, and his Fort Sumner family Loyal and Vaudie Moyer. Survivors include his wife Elizabeth “Liz” Stanton of the home in Fort Sumner, son Jason Stanton of Fort Sumner, NM and a daughter Jessica Stanton of Lubbock, TX, three sisters Ruth Johnson of Amarillo, TX, Iva Moyer (Bryce) of Fort Sumner, NM, Esther Everson of Amarillo, three brothers Samuel Stanton of Hobbs, Mike Stanton of Amarillo, and William Stanton (Yvette) of Ohio. Also surviving are his mother and father in law Christine and Tom Tasker of England. Cremation will take place. No local services are scheduled. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.