Donald D. James

Donald D. James, 87, of Aztec passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, after a lengthy illness at his home. Don was born in Artesia, NM to Frank L. and Gladys James on May 12, 1922. He graduated from Littlefield High School in Littlefield, TX and joined the U.S Marine Corps on Sept. 17, 1942. He was certified for B-25 service at North American Aviation Inc., in Inglewood, CA also Wright Engine School in Chicago, IL with Bombardment and Torpedo Training at Jacksonville Naval Air Station in FL and Boca Chica, FL. Don was assigned to Marine Bombing Squadron 614 commissioned at Cherry Point, NC, 3rd Marine Air Wing. He was Crew Chief and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. Don was a patriotic man who loved our country and was proud to serve in the Marine Corps. He served in the United States, Hawaii and the Pacific and was Honorably Discharged on May 7, 1946. Don married Evelyn Blanton on Nov. 6, 1948. God blessed them with four children. The family moved to San Juan Co. in Feb. 1955 transferring with Halliburton Services. He was the Bulk Plant Operator, retiring in 1983. Don is survived by his wife Evelyn C. James; sons, Frank R.(Cyd) James, Columbus, OH, Jesse D. (Rhonda) James, Pine Mountain, GA; daughters, Julane (Garry) Jensen, Flora Vista, Lia Mari James, Aztec; sisters, Mrs. Lois (John L.) Goss, Pinedale, Ark., Mrs. Betty Jean (Norbert) Ebeling, Tulsa, OK.; grandchildren, Donald C. (Alisha) James, Rock Springs, WY, Michael R. (Tanisha) James, Aztec, Matthew P. (Brandy) James, Aztec, Stephen James, Columbus, OH, and one granddaughter, Sara (Shawn) Polson, Newark, Del; eight great-grandchildren. Officiating will be Pastor Samuel West and Pastor Frank James. Pallbearers will be Don's grandsons, Donald C. James, Michael R. James, Matthew P. James, and Stephen James. Don is a member of Lacrosse Road Baptist Church in Ellaville, GA, who sponsors a mission in Aztec. Don is in the care of: Cope Memorial Chapel 405 S. Main Aztec, NM (505) 334-9332