James David William Cantrell IV

James was born May 20, 1990 with Spina Bifida and had many physical handicaps throughout his life, he underwent more than a dozen major surgeries. The challenges he faced every day just to get where he was going dwarf what most of us face in a year. In his mind he was as normal as anyone and hated people thinking he was handicapped. James was an artist with an incredible ability to draw. James was a collector, of coins and foreign money, chickens, dragons, and yu-gi-oh cards. Where he had an interest his quest for knowledge was insatiable, he read everything he could find about plants, animals, fish, rocks, coins, dinosaurs, dragons and cooking. He adored all animals. James’ determination was without limits. At his graduation from Farmington High School in May 2009, James insisted on walking across the stage with his leg braces and crutches to receive his diploma, instead of using his wheelchair. For this, he probably received the greatest recognition in his life when his fellow graduates and the audience gave him a standing ovation. James was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed telling how he caught the biggest fish on a scout campout when no one believed he had caught a fish, especially since he was fishing with a marshmallow at the time. He was an excellent marksman with a keen eye and a very steady hand, often out shooting the adults. His targets were always paper, as his kind heart could not dream of hurting any animal and his fishing was always catch and release. James was very active in 4H where his entries won in every category, from horses and goats to baking but particularly poultry. He loved to talk about his Sebright chickens, the other varieties too but he loved the Sebrights. He was always vaguely embarrassed that his baking won Best of Show twice at the County Fair but he always smiled when the judges asked for extra samples. James loved the County Fair and the Four Corners Poultry shows where he spent hours visiting with everyone. James dreamed of being a CSI (crime scene investigator) he loved to watch CSI on TV along with Criminal Minds, and took a CSI course his senior year at Farmington High School, as well as a workshop at San Juan College. James was a Freshman at San Juan College. He drove himself to school each day, in his pickup that was fitted with hand controls and to Complete Physique twice a week where he proudly worked out. James is survived by his mother Peggy Hardisty, sister Jayme Cantrell, stepfather Dennis Hardisty, step sisters Samantha and Jessica Hardisty, his father Jim Cantrell Jr., his aunt Elaina and uncle David Davis, and William and Bitty Musgrove; and many, many friends. James passed in his sleep on February 23, 2010, at the age of 19. He was entrusted to the care of Cope Memorial Chapel 404 West Arrington Farmington, NM 87401 1(505)3127-5142