Jimmie Gonzales

It is with great sadness that the family of Jimmie Gonzales announce his peaceful passing on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the age of 82 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 17, 1943, in Las Cruces, NM to Frank Maese Gonzales and Sarah Garcia. After graduating from Las Cruces High School in 1962 he enlisted in the US Army where he served as a paratrooper and medical assistant.

 After his honorable discharge Jimmie met Mary Helen (Lelen) Apodaca. They were married in 1967 and during their 58 years of marriage they were blessed with a daughter, Missy.

 He retired from the City of Las Cruces after being employed for 25 years of service as Supervisor at the Utilities Department.

 One of Jimmie’s greatest passions was coaching softball. He spent countless hours on the field and behind the scenes as a coach and mentor. To this day, his girls still called and visited him. He also enjoyed jogging and playing racket ball.

 After his retirement he loved spending time with his grandchildren which brought him the greatest joy. He was a communicant at the Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He volunteered many hours at his beloved parish. He assisted with ushering, bingo, the cemetery crew and participating in the annual fiestas. He loved the NMSU Aggies and attended as many as possible Aggies sports. He and his wife Mary Helen attended all the men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball games as annual ticket holders. His favorite NFL football team was the Pittsburgh Steelers.

 Preceded in joining the Lord: Mother & Father, brothers Frank Jr., Eddie and Albert. He is survived by his wife Mary Helen, daughter Melissa Ann Escobar; three grandchildren Ashley Miller and Elena Gonzales, Las Cruces, NM and Carl Miller, Boise, Idaho; 8 great-grandchildren Raymond Leon, Marcus Leon, Nickolas Sanchez, Alyssa Miller, Carlos Miller, Matthew Miller, Jocelyn Miller and Joshua Miller. Also survived by 4 brothers, Paul (Emma), Ray, Andy (Shirley) Cruz all of Las Cruces, NM, and Walter (Lorinda), El Paso, TX. Three sisters, Betty, Las Cruces, NM, Vickie, Gresham, OR and Alice, Mexico.

 Services will take place Friday, February 21, 2025, with a viewing starting at 9:30 am Rosary at 10:00 am and Requiem Mass to follow at 10:30 am at the Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 3600 Paroquia St, Las Cruces (Tortugas). Burial will take place immediately after the services at the Tortugas Catholic Cemetery. May the Perpetual Light shine upon Jimmie with the heavenly love he so deserves.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, P.O. Box 298, Mesilla Park, NM. 88047 or the St. Jude Foundation Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.