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Jimmy B. Gonzales, 68, a resident of Fort Sumner, NM died Monday, December 24, 2001 at St. Joseph Hospital in Albuquerque following an illness. Jimmy was born August 3, 1933 in Joeffree, NM to the home of Julian and Olympia (Salas) Gonzales. He was raised at Vaughn and Taiban, NM. He graduated from Fort Sumner High School, where he participated in sports including boxing with the New Mexico Golden Gloves Association. Jimmy served in the United States Marines from April 2, 1954 until his honorable discharge on April 1, 1957. Jimmy attended Eastern New Mexico University where he received his Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, and his Masters Degree at New Mexico State University. While at NMSU, Jimmy did graduate work for the college at White Sands Missile Range. Jimmy worked as an Oil Field Worker for a short time, he lost a leg in an oil field accident in 1968. Jimmy was employed as a surveyor for the New Mexico State Highway Department until his retirement. Jimmy was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #8331 and the Fort Sumner Eagles Club. He was also a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Demetrio Gonzales in 1933. Survivors include; four sons, Jimmy B. Gonzales Jr. and wife, Rene of Albuquerque, Greg Gonzales and wife, Charlene of Bothal, WA, Bill Gonzales and wife, Michelle, Sam Gonzales and wife, Dodie; two daughters, Becky Gonzales and fiancé, Larry Cordova, and Mary Helen Jaramillo and husband, David, all of Albuquerque. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren; one brother, Manuel Gonzales of Yuma, Arizona; two sisters, Mary Lovato of Fort Sumner, and Navora Richardson of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 28, 2001 from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner, NM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from the church on Saturday, December 29, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday and Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family prefers memorials to the NM Diabetes Association. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 North Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico, (505) 355-2311.
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