Search Results

BUSTAMANTE -- Simon "Jimmie" Bustamante, 84, a longtime resident of Las Vegas, NM passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2005 at the St. Vincent's Hospital in Santa Fe, NM. He was born on April 6, 1921 in Raton, NM to Frederico and Delia Bustamante who preceded him in death. Jimmie served in the United States Army during World War II as a Staff Sergeant with Amphibious Engineers in the Aleutian Islands. He was awarded the ATO Medal, APTO Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. In 1946 after being discharged from military service he worked at the Dead Horse Ranch in Ribera, NM, then he and his father built the Bustamante Club also known as the Sunshine Club. In 1955 he opened the Whites Auto Store on 6th Street in Las Vegas, NM. In 1965 he and his brother Pete opened up the Highlander Restaurant. He was also employed for several years by the New Mexico State Land Office. After his retirement he worked part time for Quality Chevrolet. In 1956 he was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives for San Miguel County where he served for eight years under 4 governors: Governor Edwin Leard Mechem, Governor John Burroughs, Governor Jack M. Campbell and Governor Bruce King. During his last two years as a Representative he was appointed Majority Whip for the House of Representatives. He also served two terms as San Miguel County Assessor, served as Vice Chairman for the State Parks Advisory Board under Governor Bruce King and also served on the Planning and Zoning Committee in Las Vegas for 17 years. He was a lifetime member of the BPO Elks where he served as an Exalted Ruler and also a member of the VFW post #1547. He enjoyed spending winter months in Yuma, AZ for several years and enjoyed camping and fishing with friends and family. He is survived by his daughters: Patsy Pacheco and husband, Wil of Las Vegas, NM and Jane Carley and husband,Rick of Albuquerque, NM; sons: Jimmy Bustamante and Danny Bustamante and wife, Loretta, all of Las Vegas, NM; mother of his children: Pita Rivera of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren: Christine Brooke and husband, Don, Eric Pacheco and Lori, Michelle Pacheco and Brian, Rick Carley, Jr. and April, Jamie Martin and husband, Chip, Stephanie Carley, James Bustamante, Jason Bustamante, Lynda Morales and Michael, Justin Vigil and Alexis and Joshua Vigil; great-grandchildren: Victoria, Christian, Malaina, Marissa, Miranda, Michael, Ricky, Brendon, and Devon; sisters: Rose Miller of Moor Park, CA, Katie Sena and husband, Fidel of Albuquerque, NM and Ramona Martinez and husband, Alex of Santa Fe, NM; brother: Pete Bustamante and wife, Mary of Las Vegas, NM; special friends: Irene Bailey of Modesto, CA and Patricia Bustamante of Tucson, AZ; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Rosary Devotional Services will be conducted on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church. Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church with Father George Salazar as celebrant. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with the following grandsons serving as casket bearers: Rick Carley, Eric Pacheco, James Bustamante, Jason Bustamante, Justin Vigil, and Joshua Vigil. Serving as honorary bearers are special friends: Jerry Pacheco, Arturo Pacheco, Joe Compero, Alex Marquez, Lawrence Tafoya, Joseph Trujillo, Lynn Jarry, Alex Aragon, Les Montoya, Kim Delgado, Ray Angel, Tony Armijo, and Chris Holyfield. Arrangements are under the direction of the Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas, NM 1-800-479-3511 or 505-425-3511.
        Published on: Wed August 10, 2005