Jerry "JJ" Gonzales

Jerry "JJ" Joe Gonzales, 75, of Fort Sumner passed away at his home Thursday, March 30, 2023. He was born July 8, 1947 in Fort Sumner to the home of Leandro and Alberta (Sena) Gonzales.

Jerry lived his whole life in Fort Sumner and graduated with the class of 1966. After graduation he worked for the AT and SF Railroad. He retired from the railroad in 2007.

Jerry was a longtime member of the Fort Sumner First Baptist Church, and was an active member of the choir. Jerry loved music. He loved to play and collect instruments. He loved to share his passion for music and helped teach music classes at Fort Sumner Schools. He was a member of "Los Mosquitos" band, and the Fort Sumner Band.  When he wasn't playing music he enjoyed fishing at the Slough, gardening, drawing, and making wire art.

Most important to him was his family, and his grandkids.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Leandro and Alberta Gonzales, 2 brothers: Herman Gonzales, Ernest "Beaver" Gonzales, 2 sisters: Dolores Sanchez, Lucy Blea, a son-in-law: Nate Larranaga, and a brother-in-law: Vincent Rodriguez.

Jerry will be missed by his 4 daughters: Alberta Gonzales and Rita Hall both of Las Cruces, NM, Alisha Saldivar (Aaron) of Killeen, TX, Jerrica Larranaga of Santa Fe, NM, 1 sister: Erma Rodriguez of Fort Sumner, NM, 3 brothers: Willie Gonzales (Rosalie) and Harold "Bix" Gonzales both of Fort Sumner, Tony Lucero (Anna) of Clovis, NM. Jerry is survived by 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchilren. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Visitation hours were 1 pm to 6 pm on Monday, April 3, 2023 at Chavez Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the Fort Sumner First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner, New Mexico with Dr. Joe Bunce officiating. Pallbearers included Billy Wertheim, Aaron Saldivar, Jesse Sanchez, Derrick Blea, Binto Stallard and Gus Lopez. Honorary Bearers will include his brothers Willie Gonzales, Harold "Bix" Gonzales, Tony Lucero, along with Manuel Lucero, and Bob Addison.  Cremation has taken place, interment of cremains was held at 10am Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at St. Anthony Cemetery with Jerry's cousin, Deacon Edward Sena officiating.