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JAMES Age 81, a resident of Albuquerque went to be with our Lord and Savior in the late evening of Thursday, June 28, 2012. He is survived by children, Anthony Rivera and wife Tami, Richard Olguin, Patrick Olguin and wife Maryann, Helen Smith and husband Paul, David Olguin, John Olguin, Joseph Olguin, Elizabeth Olguin, Anna Fajardo and husband Richard, Susan Burd and husband Richard, Mary Lorang and husband John Walton. Mr. Olguin is survived by his brother Ruben Padilla. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dustin Smith, Nicole Olguin, Alicia Fajardo, Solomon Lorang, Natasha Olguin, Michael Rivera, Joshua Olguin-Greene, Anthony Burd and Alex Burd. He was especially fond of his sister's (Lucy and Mary) children and his brother's (Ruben) children. Those who preceded him in death include: his wife Ruby, his grandfather who helped raise him - Jesus Olguin, his mother Josephine Padilla, his step-father Leonardo Padilla, his brothers: Claude, Louis, Bernie, his sisters: Lucy, Mida, Mary. Dad's passion (and Mom's too in her life) was first and foremost, to serve the Lord - both in preaching to whom-ever listened, and distributing Bibles. Dad served our country, first in the US Air Force, then in the Marines (both Active (Korean War) and Reserves). While he absolutely loved and made reference to the Marines and his passion for them, leave it to Dad to reply to a commanding officers request he get ready to go overseas, "you go!" Dad was called twice to the in-processing center at Kirtland for a tour in Vietnam...twice, he was told "go home, you have too many kids." While in the Korean War-era, In his stubbornness, he turned-down field commissions for 2nd lieutenant and Chief Warrant Officer. "Don't call me Sir, I was only an enlisted man." Dad was in the Car business for close to 40 years, and while still serving in the Marine Reserves, Dad owned/operated two consecutive car businesses in Santa Fe (1950's - early 60's). We believe some ailments may have developed when he arrived back in town, hauling a fresh load of cars from the Amarillo Auto Auction, only to be traumatized to see that many of the windows in those cars on the lot had been broken - seems some of his children had engaged in a rock fight. Those who Dad and Mom determined were responsible endured much hardship through the summer months. Dad and Mom eventually brought the family to Albuquerque (late 60's) where dad continued his career at the auto dealerships in town. While being a car salesman may be a source of comedic reference to some, dad's knowledge of the car business was extremely thorough (quite astounding actually), we don't believe there were too many individuals who would drive out to a remote location to assist someone whose brand new vehicle was "disabled," but he would and did frequently. These types of committed ethical, moral and honest values and response(s) to the welfare for his customers, brought him a very large following at whichever dealership he worked. He must have been doing something right for owners of some of the car dealerships to come to the home to ask him to go work for them. In Dad's latter years, he mellowed very much...his grandchildren brought much joy to his life. Mom's passing on 6 Apr 2012 brought a sincere and profound realization of just how much she was indeed, the cornerstone of the family. It was her passing that impacted dad's health considerably. We would also like to give a special Thank You to the staff at Vista Care Hospice for their wonderful and specialized care for our father, James. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at French Mortuary, 9300 Golf Course Rd NW. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. Friends may visit one hour before the service. Please visit our online guestbook for James at: www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (505) 897-0300
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