James "Erwin" Ness

James "Erwin" Ness, 96, beloved Father, Grandfather, and friend, was called to his eternal resting place on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Born to Christopher and Gladys Ness, on December 22, 1927, he was the second of four children. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Edith Ness and Glendora Ness Baker. Surviving him is his younger brother, Robert Ness (Joan).

Erwin will be greatly missed by his daughters, Debbie Ness Bulling (Tom), Paula Ness; stepson, Craig Buchanan (Christy); and stepdaughter, Teri Mauldin (Jeff). Also surviving him are grandsons, Evan Bulling, Ryan Buchanan (Kaitlyn), Jared Mauldin (Sara), Clayton Mauldin (Megan), Bret Buchanan (Rebekah), Shane Buchanan (Sydney), and Ben Mauldin; granddaughters, Emily Bulling Boren (Robert) and Lilianna Mauldin. Erwin was blessed with eight great-grandchildren, Blake Buchanan, Peter Boren, Theo Mauldin, Zoe Buchanan, Cecil Boren, Bindi Mauldin, Samuel Boren, and Hailey Buchanan; sister-in-law, Linda Ward Ellisor and husband, Dave, have always held a special place in his heart. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews that he loved deeply.

Erwin was born on a dairy farm, near Thorp, WI where he grew up and worked milking cows and doing other farming chores until he turned 18. He spent his youth hunting and fishing, building silos and generally loving the outdoors. He joined the Navy in 1945, and was assigned to decommission the battleship USS Belleau Wood in the San Diego Naval shipyard. He was honorably discharged on August 17, 1946.

After his time in the Navy, Erwin worked at Presto Industries for a short time and then began pulling house trailers across the country. On one of those trips, he came to Albuquerque, fell in love with it, and decided to settle there. In 1959, he began his career as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1987.

Shortly after moving to Albuquerque, he met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, changing his life forever. While attending the First Baptist Church in downtown Albuquerque, he met Patricia Ward (Pat) in the singles ministry. She became his wife on June 9, 1961. One of his greatest accomplishments was building the lovely home where he would raise his family. Daughter Debbie was born in 1962, and Paula arrived in 1964. Sadly, Pat passed away in 1981. Erwin was a loving, wonderful father and family man.

Erwin met Nancy Buchanan in the singles ministry at Hoffmantown Church, marrying her on October 30, 1982. He became step-father to Craig Buchanan and Teri Buchanan (Mauldin). Following retirement, Erwin (Erv) and Nancy enjoyed the house they built together in beautiful Angel Fire, NM and made great memories traveling the world together. Upon moving back to Albuquerque, they delighted in being grandparents until Nancy's passing in 2016.

An amazing outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman, Erwin spent countless happy hours hunting coyotes, prairie dogs, deer, elk, bear, and oryx. He was a great shot with rifle, shotgun, bow and arrow, and crossbow. He most recently hunted elk last year at the age of 95.

In his later years, Erwin moved to the Vineyard Senior Living Community and lived happily there until last month, gardening and reading.

He has loved and served his savior, Jesus Christ, since 1959. He was a faithful and supportive member of many Bible studies and a few churches over the years. He was well known for his faith and wisdom by all who worshipped with him.

An amazing storyteller, who never met a stranger, Erwin has lived a long and fruitful life and will be fondly and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in Erwin's name to Southwest Bible Camp ℅ 766 Camino Vista Rio Bernalillo, NM 87004 (https://www.southwestbiblecamp.org).

A Visitation will take place Monday, June 17, 2024, 9:30 a.m., with services to follow at 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - University. A reception will be held at Garfield Gospel Chapel at 11:00 a.m., 2406 Garfield SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Santa National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street Santa Fe, NM 87501.