Jim L. Ikard

Jim Lynn Ikard of Las Cruces, NM died on Friday, April 21, 2006. Jim was born in El Paso, Texas on November 27, 1930 to John Amzi and Winifred Wareing Ikard. His younger years were spent in Anthony, NM including three years at St. Edwards High School in Austin, Texas graduating as Valedictorian. He graduated from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas in 1953 with honors in Engineering. During this time, he met and became engaged to the love of his life, Gloria Aguirre. Jim enlisted in the United States Army in 1953 and became an instructor in the Nike Ajax Missile System earning the rank of Sergeant. He and Gloria were married June 19, 1954 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in El Paso. He continued in the service until 1957 when he and his family moved to Las Cruces. With a burning entrepreneurial spirit, Jim started his career in business with a small TV and Electronics repair shop. He was also heavily involved at this time with his father in the Ikard/Newsom propane business. Under Jim's leadership the business expanded into the largest propane business in New Mexico. He loved to personally call on customers throughout the Southwest. He served on the National LP Gas Board of Directors for many years and was the National Treasurer. Jim was the founding Board Member of Citizens Bank of Las Cruces. Following renovation of the old Amador Hotel, the Bank opened its doors in April 1970. He served as Chairman of the Board from 1979 until his death. Jim's extensive civic and community involvement is a testament to his love of people and the community. He served in various capacities with the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce and was President in 1982. He was President of the Board of Regents at NMSU, was a founding member of New Mexico First, NMSU Presidents Associates member, founding member of the New Mexico Energy Resources Board, the New Mexico Amigos Charter Member, founding member of the Mesilla Economic Development Alliance, member of the Roman Catholic Diocesan Foundation of Las Cruces and a member of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher. Always a visionary, Jim relished new ideas and viewed challenges as opportunities. Although larger than life to many, he was a very humble man and dedicated his life to family, friends, business and his beloved Catholic Church. He was recognized by many of the organizations in which he participated. A few of his proudest was being named Las Cruces Citizen of the Year, receiving Distinguished Alumnus of St. Edwards University in 1995, and the NMSU Branding Iron Award. Jim had a passion for flying and was an accomplished pilot. He loved to spend time with family and friends fishing, especially at Lake Novillo in Mexico. He was always grateful for the many opportunities he had to travel the world with his wife Gloria, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Clara. Immediate surviving family members include: Gloria, his wife of fifty-two years; six children: Suzanne Yaeger, David, Matthew, Paul, Robert and Luke and thirteen grandchildren: Arynn, Ethan, Chloe, Samantha, Francis, Rebecca, Jack, April, Austin, Robert Jr. Sarah, Elizabeth and Oliver. He is also survived by his brothers: John and Richard and sisters: Mary Salopek and Catherine Stuart. A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday April 24, 2006 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1327 N. Miranda. The Funeral Liturgy will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 also at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Officiating will be Most Rev. Ricardo Ram