James Ray Aragon

James Ray Aragon of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at the age of 80. Leaving this world to continue his faithful service to his beloved Catholic faith.

James was born on November 23, 1944, in Rowe, New Mexico, to Alice Archuleta. He attended school in Santa Fe and, at a young age, enlisted in the United States Army. During this time, he married Dorothy Valdez. Together, they raised two daughters, Roberta and Yvonne, who were the light of his life.

To provide for his family, James built a long and honorable career in service for his community and nation. He proudly served in the Army and the National Guard and was both a Santa Fe City Police Officer and a New Mexico State Police Officer. He later retired from both the Army and the United States Postal Service. Never one to remain idle, James found joy and purpose in the trucking industry, driving dump trucks and cement trucks. He was always willing to lend a hand-helping neighbors, friends, and family with landscaping jobs or any task they needed.

A man of deep community spirit, James dedicated countless hours to supporting youth sports in Santa Fe as a football, basketball, and baseball referee, as well as a softball coach. His generous heart and love for family knew no bounds. As his daughters began families of their own, James-now affectionately known as "PA"-followed them to Albuquerque and eventually settled in Rio Rancho, where he devoted his heart and energy to his seven grandchildren. He was the kind of grandfather every kid dream's of. He showed up to every sporting event, school play, and get together which made all seven of the grandchildren feel like they were the most important people in the world.

PA was the rock of the family. Whether the need was emotional, financial, or motivational, he never failed to show up. He went above and beyond for his children, grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, and countless friends. He will be remembered most for his unwavering faith, immense generosity, steadfast courage-and above all, his infectious humor.

James Ray Aragon leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and faith that will never be forgotten.

James was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Archuleta, sister, Mary Ann Gurule and brother, Benny Archuleta.

James is survived by his daughters, Roberta (Nick) Lester, and Yvonne (Trae) Wood. His grandchildren, Jonathan (Danielle Hill) Jaramillo, Victoria Pitel, Melanie (Tim) Williams, Brandon (Aundria) Koprowski, Shelby (Travis) Johnson, Roxanne Lester, Virgil (Mikela) Wood and his seven great-grandchildren, Cole, Ellie, Emily, Gianna, Marianna, Peyton and Parker.

James is also survived by his siblings, Joe (Angie) Gutierrez, Angie Pena, Margie Quintana, Gilbert Archuleta, Donna (Gene) Sanchez and Juanita (Raymond) Lucero.

Services will be held on Monday June 30th, at The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 100 S Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501. Rosary to begin at 9:30am, mass to follow with burial at Santa Fe National Cemetery, followed by reception as the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Hall.