Jake (Jackie) Griego

November 3, 1949 - February 20, 2021

Jake (Jakie) Griego, 71, of Capitan, New Mexico, passed away after battling with dementia on Saturday, February 20, 2021, peacefully in his sleep. On November 3, 1949, Jakie was born to Jacob T. Griego and Lucia Griego Savedra in Capitan, New Mexico. He graduated from Capitan High School in 1967 and was drafted into the Army, deployed to Viet Nam, where he completed his term in 1971. Jakie spent most of his life living and working in Fort Stanton and Ruidoso. A sports lover, Jakie played basketball for the Capitan Tigers, then softball with the Fort Stanton Bombers, and was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, regardless if they had a losing season. While often seen as a quiet person, Jakie had a devious and mischievous streak, being a jokester with an infectious laugh. He was a kind person and would never hesitate to help people. Jakie was a friend to many and will be greatly missed. Those left to cherish Jakie’s memory are his sister, Mary Skogland and brother-in-law Nick Skogland; sister-in-law, Gloria Martinez; three stepchildren: Jessica Roper, Ray Barela, and Maria Pacheco; grandchildren: Jade Roper, Danny Roper, Ty Roper, Sam Roper, Hunter Barela, Analicia Vega, and Sophia Vega; great-grandson, Cyrus Roper; nieces: Vivian Griego, Brenda Griego, and Regina Griego; great-nieces and nephews: Brian Taylor, Bryanna Parker, Jacob Cano, and Elaina Cano; as well as the rest of his family and friends. Jakie is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob T. Griego and Lucia Griego Savedra; brother, Lionel Griego; spouse, Elizabeth Pacheco Griego; and his beloved pets: Chiquita the Chihuahua; Blackie the Cat, and Eddie the Rabbit. A Graveside Service for Jake will be held later this summer at the Capitan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to a local shelter, food pantry, or the Dementia Society of America | Official Site | United States.