JAMES "JIM" L. GWALTNEY, shuffled off his mortal coil Sunday, February 10, 2019 peacefully drawing his final breath while surrounded by those dearest to him. Born August 27, 1938 in Mena, Arkansas, Jim grew to love the independence afforded him in the solace of fishing. At the age of 12 he moved to Las Cruces where he later attended Las Cruces High School and captained the Chess Team to the school's first State Championship in any sport or activity in 1955. Upon graduation, he received permission from his parents to enlist in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. Upon honorable discharge he earned his bachelor's degree in Biology from Colorado Teachers College (now Northern Colorado University) in Greeley, Colorado. His first teaching job was 7th grade Biology at Franklin Junior High in Grants, New Mexico. He later taught at Court Junior High in Las Cruces. He accepted the position as head football coach at Hatch Valley High School in 1965 and earned his Master of the Arts in Teaching from New Mexico State University in August, 1966. In 1970 he accepted the head football coaching position at Anton High School in Anton, Texas, where he led the Bulldogs through an undefeated season in 1972, succumbing to Wilson High School in the bi-district round of the Texas State Playoffs on a technical basis following a scoreless tie at the end of regulation. Wilson went on to claim the championship. Teams garnering state championships under his leadership included: Hatch Valley Bears Girls Basketball, 1967 (New Mexico); Anton High School Golf, 1972 (Texas). Returning to Las Cruces in 1973, Jim left coaching and teaching to pursue a career in insurance. He was an independent insurance agent working throughout southern New Mexico until his retirement in 2008. The namesake agency he founded, Jimmy Lou, Inc., continues to operate in Las Cruces. Among "Sweetie", "Dad" and "Big Daddy", Jim was known as "Mr. Gwaltney" to his students, "Coach" to his players, "Kid" to his fellow Marines, and "Jimmy" to his siblings and childhood friends. Now, our Lord has called him home.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Louie E. Gwaltney and mother, Lillian S. Gwaltney. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Gwaltney; daughter, Terri Justice and husband Art; son, Levi Gwaltney and wife Jekaterina; grandchildren, Jamie Lee Justice, Kcenia Gwaltney and Makcim Gwaltney; brother, Lamar Gwaltney and wife Mary Gail; sister, Evelyn Colson and husband Keith; stepsons, Joe Holguin, and Gary Holguin and wife Shirley; and many cousins, nephews, nieces and step grandchildren.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Purification, 5525 Cristo Rey in Doña Ana, New Mexico at 2 PM on Friday, February 15, 2019 with Reverend Juan Camilo Montoya officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030 .
The Gwaltney family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Cruces Sun-News on Feb. 14, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Gwaltney

Sponsored by LCsun-news.com.

14 Entries

February 21, 2019

Eternal rest grant unto "Jim", O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen

Michael Sullivan

February 18, 2019

Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was always a good friend and advisor. Our condolences to the family. Mike and Angela Sullivan

Grace Duran

February 17, 2019

To Ruth and all of the Gwaltney family: Our sincere condolences during this difficult time. We will miss Jim's wit and dry sense of humor and his home grown veggies!

Grace and Udell

Monty Newton

February 17, 2019

I was a player on that 1972 Anton Bulldog team that went undefeated.. Gwaltney took over a football program that had literally been in the cellar for years. Multiple losing seasons and turned Anton into a state contender. I was little and showed little promise as a player, but I had grit and he could see that. Against the advice or support of various arm chair coaches (in particular the school super who was a former coach), Coach Gwaltney put me in as a starter and I had a great game and played regularly the rest of the season. That experience literally changed my life. For years afterwards, many times, at reunions, he would tell that story. His instincts and ability to motivate players was incredible. I think he coujd have been one of Texas greatest football coaches but he chose another path. He was a huge influence on my life. My condolences to his family.

Gilbert and Rose Apodaca

February 16, 2019

Our Prayers and Condolences are with the Family during this time of Sorrow.

February 15, 2019

Just a short human interest story About 5 young men from Las Cruces Graduated may 21 1956 14days later
june 4 we were in boot camp in the Marines and now there is only 2 Brother Marines i would like to say see you later we will meet again
Ralph Melendrez
5913 Beechwood St.
Santa Teresa N.M. 88008

Steven Bouvet

February 14, 2019

May he Rest In Peace, he was a fine coach and friend. God bless the family!

Ernesto B./ Mari Alysse Morales

February 14, 2019

Formally lived at 720 W. Las Cruces Ave Las Cruces NM. And I live 2912 Los Amigos CT Apt B Las Cruces NM 88011.

Ernesto B./ Mari Alysse Morales

February 14, 2019

My condolences to the Gwaltney family, I was friends with Andy Gwaltney, my father was also very dear friends with Lamar friends with Lamar Gwaltney. They were in politics, where Lamar a politician running for where my father met him.

Rebecca Torres

February 14, 2019

Our condolences to the Gwaltney Family.
Mr. Gwaltney was always a pleasure to talk to and always made me laugh.
Levi, my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless.

Dolores (Cadena) Lara

February 14, 2019

My condolences to you at this difficult time. I knew Jim through his insurance work with LCPS. I loved his energy and positive attitude. He was knowledgeable, personable and approachable in his work. After I retired, I would still reach out to him and Terri with questions.
Dolores (Cadena) Lara

Susan Diggs

February 14, 2019

My deepest condolences to the family. Jim was a wonderful person and touched many lives. May your many memories help comfort you during this difficult time. Susan Diggs

Paul Gasse

February 14, 2019

Jaime Lee and family, "Coach" was one of the best people I was ever around at Cruces High. Always positive to a dorky kid trying to learn football. God bless you all at this time.

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