James "Mike" Meeks

It is with great sadness and regret we announce the passing of James "Mike" Meeks. Mike passed away quietly and peacefully the afternoon of Thursday, April 21, 2011. Mike was preceded in death by his loving brother Clayton "Taylor" Meeks, Father Clayton Meeks, and Mother Morine (Lewis) Archebeque. Survivors include a brother William Patrick "Pat" Meeks and wife Carol of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Taylor's partner Patricia Anderson and son Ryan and daughter Holli of San Antonio, TX. Nephews include Preston Kipp Meeks, wife Kim of Denver Colorado and sons Tanner Clayton Meeks, Tucker Cole Meeks, and Terner Carlos Meeks, Nephew Patrick Keith Meeks of Memphis, Tennessee, Nieces Merien "Bit" Dorothea Alexander and daughter Cassandra Hooten, Martha "Sam" Maurine Watson and children Tyler, Terral, Tanessa, and Trinity Watson, niece Margaret "Shelly" Michele Meeks. Cousins include Larry Meeks wife Norma, Charlie Fagan wife Pam, and Mary Lou Weller husband Joe.

Mike was born to Clayton and Morine Meeks of Vaughn New Mexico on November 17 1943, the second of three boys, Mike found his way to Las Cruces in 1961 at the age of 18 where he first enrolled into New Mexico State University (NMSU) and started a job as a sales man with economy TV. In 1972 Mike began his career at New Mexico State University where he was initially hired as the first male secretary in the College of Agriculture (a fact that Mike was very proud of.) He went on to hold many other positions at NMSU in the departments of EEO, Special Events, Registrar's Office, and The Parking Office, before he retired in 2003. After a brief hiatus Mike returned to NMSU and back to Registrar's Office where he officially retired after 2 years as the Assistant Registrar. Additionally, Mike served as an Advisor to the NMSU Rodeo club in the late 80's and early 90's and, more recently, he served as a proud member of the NMSU Pioneers Club.

Mike also served his community as a member of the Sunrise Lion's Club of Las Cruces, an organization whose mission he endorsed and whose membership he thoroughly enjoyed. Apart from being a dedicated employee of NMSU and an avid supporter of Aggie athletics, Mike was a man whom you could always count on to greet you with a smile, a firm hand shake and a great big hug. Mike was befriended and beloved by many at NMSU and in the Las Cruces community. He was always ready and willing to lend a hand, or a shoulder to cry on, to anyone that was in need of it. Never a truer friend, a more respected colleague, nor a more spirited Aggie existed. Mike, you will always be remembered, you will always be loved, and you will be missed. Be in peace my friend. At Mike's request there will be no "official" memorial held but you are strongly encouraged to memorialize Mike in your own way. It is also encouraged that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Sunrise Lion's Club of Las Cruces. Mike's cremains will be interred with the rest of the family in Vaughn, NM at a date yet to be determined. Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 526-2419. To sign the local online guestbook go to www.GetzCares.com