James H. Ferguson

Retired chief master sergeant, U.S. Air Force
James H. Ferguson, 81, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2011, in El Paso. He was born Wednesday, March 12, 1930, in Clear Lake Highland, Calif., to William and Margaret (Milburn) Ferguson.
Jim graduated from Yreka High School in Yreka, Calif., in 1947. He joined the military immediately after graduation. He served in Korea from 1950 to 1951 and in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. After serving in ground combat positions in Korea, he cross trained into the air traffic control career field. He served at Holloman Air Force Base from 1969 to 1975 where he earned for himself and Holloman numerous local, Major Air Command and best in the Air Force recognitions. While at Holloman he was promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant. After serving at Holloman he was assigned to work directly for the Inspector General, United States Air Force Communications Command until he retired from the Air Force with honors in March 1978.
After retiring from the Air Force he worked from 1978 to 1984 for Lockheed International as an air traffic controller. After leaving Lockheed International he worked as an air traffic controller for the Ruidoso Airport from 1985 to 1989.
Jim is a legacy life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. At Alamogordo's VFW Post 7686 he served in numerous positions and finally as the post commander from 1987-1989. After serving as post commander, he held various higher positions in the New Mexico VFW Department, culminating in serving as the statewide department commander in 1994-1995. He moved on to serve in higher positions with the national VFW. He served as the VFW's National District 15 council member from 1995 to 1997 and then went on to serve as state inspector, a position he held from 2005-2006.
Jim enjoyed traveling and fishing at Elephant Butte Lake with his lovely wife, Sandy. He also enjoyed playing on the computer and eating at Peppers Grill. He devoted much time and money to veterans of all services and community activities, especially those benefiting Alamogordo's youth.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Patrick; and his brothers Bill, Phillip, Allen and Bob.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Ferguson, of the family home; sisters Lucille, of Marble Falls, Texas, Louise, of Medford, Ore., and Janet and husband, Jim, of Napa, Calif.; children David, of Alamogordo, Olivia (Libby) Hobson and husband, John, of Layton, Utah, Chuck and wife, Laura, of Clovis, Patti Parks, of Alamogordo, and Terri Adam and husband, Steve, of Bangor, Mich.; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services for Jim will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at the Alamogordo Funeral Home chapel with Chuck Moon officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim's name can be made to the veteran's home of your choice.
The Ferguson family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the arrangements. Cremation will take place at PCS.
To sign the online register book, please visit www.alamogordofuneralhome.org.