Jimmie B. Snipes

Jimmie Baxter Snipes, 89 a longtime McAlister, NM cattle rancher passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024 at his ranch home following a short illness. His family was at his bedside. 

Jimmie was born February 11, 1935 in Hassell, NM, the son of Huey Baxter and Opal Beulah (Smith) Snipes. He grew up in Hassell and House, and attended House schools, graduating with the class of 1953. Jimmie served in the U.S. Army from May 1957 until his honorable discharge in November 1959. Jimmie worked building houses in Anchorage, Alaska for two years before returning to ranch at McAlister. Jimmie married Molly Dean Herron on November 17, 1963 in Clovis, New Mexico. 

Jimmie was active in his community, he served 39 years on the House School Board of Education, he and Molly were the longest serving members of the House Schools P.T.A. with 42 years, he also served on the Soil Conservation Service Board, P.C.A. Board, Quay County F.S.A., and House Co-Op Board. For almost 60 years, Jimmie has served on the House/Hassell Cemetery Board and assisted with the preparation of graves for many friends, and family over the years.

Jimmie truly loved all the activities of ranching such as feeding, checking waters, counting cows, trading and making deals and those frequent stops at the Co-Op for a cup of coffee, and swapping a few stories and reviewing the latest weather report. Jimmie had a real weakness for  good black-hided cattle and a good looking cow horse. He also enjoyed playing checkers and dominoes, especially with his family, he was an avid reader, and enjoyed the daily newspaper. He spent many hours reading his bible, Jimmie was a lifelong Christian. He attended The Divine Connection Church in Tucumcari.

Jimmie is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Molly Snipes on May 1, 2011, two brothers Jerry Snipes and Bernie Snipes, a grandson Kody Downing.

He will be missed by his family, five children, a daughter Deanna Janette Dane and husband Michael of San Angelo, Texas, a son John Bill Snipes and his wife Valerie of House, NM, a daughter Sherri Ann Bays and her husband  Ty of Hurley, NM, daughter Nicki Dawn Rogers and her husband Gary of Las Cruces, NM, a son Major Joe Ben Snipes and his wife Morgan of Fort Moore, Georgia, one brother Dennis Snipes and his wife RaDonna of Clovis, NM, a sister-in-law Bertie Snipes of Clovis. Grandchildren Matthew Dane and wife Whitney of Abilene, TX, Nathan Dane of San Angelo, TX, Cassidy Donnel and husband Justin of Buckhorn, NM, Jalee Snipes of House, NM, Clell Bays and his fiance Lexie Vermillion of Deming, NM and Ketch Bays of Hurley, NM, Petty Officer 1st Class Payson Rogers of Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, Harley Rogers, Whitney Rogers, Taylor Rogers all of Las Cruces, NM, Josephina Snipes, Jenavieve Snipes, and Juliana Snipes all of Fort Moore, GA, and great grandchildren Benjamin Dane, Joseph Dane, Marybeth Dane, Luke Dane, all of Abilene, TX and Hadlee Donnel of Buckhorn, NM. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends and good neighbors.

The family would like to thank Jimmie's doctors, Dr. Jack Vick in Fort Sumner, the staff at PRMC Cancer Center in Clovis, UMC Lubbock, South Plains Rehabilitation Center, and the staff at Presbyterian Hospice in Tucumcari for the compassionate and loving care provided.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the House High School Gymnasium. Interment will follow at House Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons Matthew Dane, Nathan Dane, Clell Bays, Ketch Bays, Payson Rogers, and nephews Kyle Snipes and Jack Snipes. Honorary bearers will include Dennis Snipes, James Sours, Oscar Lerma, and all his friends and neighbors.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. 

American Cancer Society   PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741  or  https://donate.cancer.org

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.