Jim Montoya

A rosary will be recited for Jim Montoya, 73, of Roswell at 7 pm, Sunday, October 25, 2009 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be celebrated for Jim, at 1 pm Monday, October 26, 2009 at St. John’s with Father Juan Montoya O.F. M. officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Jim passed away Thursday, October 22, 2009 at his home. Jim was born on May 23, 1936, to Filimon Montoya and Manuelita Flores in Artesia, New Mexico. He married the love of his life Paula Saiz on March 2, 1963 and loved being around his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim lived and worked in Roswell as the owner and operator of Jim Montoya Hauling and Tractor Work which he started at the very young age of 16. He was a hard worker and worked until his retirement in 1991 when his health prohibited him from working. Jim took tremendous pride in his work and was highly respected for his character, work ethic and integrity. Jim was also a member of The St. John’s Holy Name Society, Jim was also a member of the New Mexico National Guard where he served from 1960-1963, St. John’s Mens Club and the Knights of Colombus where he served as a 4th Degree Knight. Jim was also a Eucharist Minister at St. John’s for many years. He is survived by his wife Paula, of the family home, two sons; Jimmy Joe and David Ray Montoya, two daughters; Lisa and Gina Montoya all of Roswell, his grandchildren; Ryan, Christy, Julia and Jennifer Montoya, Daniel Griego and his great grandchildren; Sean Montoya, Nathanyal and Thomas. “POPS” as they all lovingly called him will be greatly missed. Jim also had numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews as well as in-laws and life- long friends whom he held very close to his heart. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; Filimon and Manuelita Montoya, one sister; Rita, two brothers; Louis and Daniel Montoya. Pallbearers will be Steve Bachicha, Salvador Bachicha, Fred Andazola, Nathan Cobb, Alfred Romero, and Ryan Montoya. Honorary pallbearers will be Filimon, Montoya, Lawrence Montoya, Cruz Madrid, Elizerio Lucero, Tom Tyler, Adolpho Bachicha, Joe Benavides, his grandchildren, great grandchildren and god children. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online register book at andersonbethany.com Services are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home & Crematory. God saw he was getting tired, And a cure was not to be. Though he put his arm around him And whispered, come with me, With tearful eyes we watched him suffer And watched him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, We couldn’t make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us. He only takes the best.

Jim Montoya

May 23, 1936 - October 22, 2009