James Austin Wolfe

James Austin Wolfe

June 12, 1942 – March 5, 2024

Magdalena – James Austin Wolfe was born on June 12, 1942, in Lake, Mississippi to Sadie Ruth (Gibbs) Wolfe and George Monroe (Buck) Wolfe. James went by the nickname Jim. Jim attended elementary school in Datil, NM and graduated in 1960 from Magdalena High School. Jim was member of the Magdalena High School basketball team and was vice president of his junior class. Upon graduation Jim attended New Mexico A&M (now known as NMSU) with a BS degree in civil engineering in 1965. After receiving his college degree, he worked for the Corps of Engineering as a hydraulic engineer until 1970, when Jim transferred to the USDA Forest Service in Albuquerque, NM as a water resource and environmental engineer. In 1976, Jim transferred to Washington, D.C. as the Chief Water Resources Engineer for the USDA Forest Service. In 1981, Jim transferred to the USDA Forest Service Regional Office in Juneau, AK as Regional Director of Engineering and Aviation. In 1989, Jim was appointed as the USDA Representative on the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council which oversaw restoration of areas damaged by the oil spill until his retirement in 1999. While in Juneau, AK. Jim met and married Cynthia D (Garrison) Wolfe. They were united in marriage in Juneau, AK. July 1, 1995. Jim & Cindy relocated to his hometown of Magdalena, New Mexico in 1999 were they made their permanent home. Jim Was elected Mayor of Magdalena and serve two terms from 2002 to 2010. Upon retirement, he enjoyed the outdoors including, hunting, camping, fishing and countless hours of golf at New Mexico Tech Golf Course with his golf buddies.

Jim’s affiliations included Ducks Unlimited State Chairman and Committee art chairman for the State of Alaska. Socorro, NM DU Chapter Chairman, DU New Mexico State Chairman, and DU Conservation Program Committee, DU Trustee and DU President’s Council.

Jim served on the Amigo de la Sevilleta Board and was Friends of the Bosque de Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Surviving is his wife Cynthia (Cindy) of the home. In addition, Jim is survived by his sons Bryan K. Wolfe (Jeanette) of Los Lunas, NM, Brett Wolfe (Lani) of Seattle, WA, brother David L Wolfe (Betty) of Grants, NM. Sister-in-law Mary Ann Wolfe of Las Cruses, NM.; grandchildren Moth Wolfe and Gregory Wolfe, and loving nieces, his nephew, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents George (Buck) and Sadie Wolfe, brother Allen B. Wolfe, and brother George (Herman) Wolfe.

Jim graced this world with his gentle spirit. Jim’s journey through life was marked by his unwavering courage and kindness he extended to all he knew. He will be missed by his family and many friends.

No services are planned at Jim’s request. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Socorro Junior Golf Foundation c/o of New Mexico Tech Golf Course, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM. 87801 (575)835-5335.