James Elliott, Sr.

James Harland Elliott, Sr. was born to Jefferson Bell and Emma Jewel (Baker) Elliott on July 27,1928 in Lamesa Texas.

James peacefully passed away on January 15,2025. James was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, JB and Jewell Elliott, his first wife, Marilyn (Melody) Elliott, and his second wife Mari Luci Jaramillo, and his brother, Frank Elliott, and sister Betty Rapp. James will be forever remembered by his brother, Bill (Margie) Elliott, his two sons, James Jr. (Kim), and John G. (Anne) Elliott, his two granddaughters, Jennifer (Timothy) Coon, and Mandy (Leah), Elliott Adler, and his four great grandchildren, Tammra, Mackenzie, Ashley, and his youngest, TJ. He will also be remembered by Mari Luci's two sons, Ross (Kristen) Ulibarri, and Rick (Rose) Ulibarri and families.

In 1939, JB and Jewell moved their family from southern New Mexico to Las Vegas, New Mexico. Growing up in Las Vegas, James graduated at the top of his class from Las Vegas High School in 1946. He played football and joined the drama club. He loved the stage. The high point of his stage career was landing a speaking part in a Hollywood movie. It was a prison movie. The family is grateful that they did not keep him in jail!

In October of 1946 James enlisted in the Army. His favorite duty station was Anchorage, Alaska. While in Alaska he explored the many rivers and streams that were near the different bases to which he was assigned. James was honorably discharged in 1949 with the rank of Sgt/First Class.

After leaving the Army James returned to Las Vegas with two primary goals. His first goal was to marry his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Melody. James and Marilyn were married in 1949. His second goal was to attend and graduate from New Mexico Highlands University. He earned his master's degree in business and economics graduating cum laude honors. He was elected to Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Omega Phi, and Phi Gamma Mu.

James was employed by his alma mater. He joined the New Mexico Highlands University administration in 1954. James served the university as Registrar, Director of Admissions, and Institutional Planning, and was head of the Department of Business. In 1974 James and Marilyn moved to Roswell, NM where he joined the New Mexico Military Institute administration. At the time of his retirement, he was serving with the rank of Colonel as the Vice President and Vice Superintendent of the school. He was elected to the NMMI Alumni Association with an Honorary Life Membership. Other appointments included Executive Director of the Roswell Economic Forum, Board member of the Chaves County Red Cross, President of the Kiwanis Club, elected to the Board of Directors of United New Mexico Bank, served three years as president of the New Mexico Human Rights Commission. He was appointed By New Mexico Governor Jack Campbell to serve on the New Mexico State Board of Nursing. He served numerous other statewide appointments. Much of his time was spent representing New Mexico universities before state and federal commissions, the New Mexico Legislature, and other national organizations.

James and Marilyn raised their two sons in Las Vegas. James loved the mountains of Northern New Mexico. This is where he felt most at home. His passions were hunting, fishing, and golf. When he had the opportunity to be away from work, one would find him enjoying the outdoors. After fully retiring in 1995 James and Marilyn filled their lives with travel. Together they visited most of the continental US. Sadly, after 61 years of marriage, Marilyn passed away in 2011. A year later James made his final move from Roswell to Albuquerque entering the La Vida Llena retirement community. James was reacquainted with a fellow Las Vegas resident Mari Luci Jaramillo. Together they shared many interests. After traveling, dancing and debating everything under the sun, the two married. Mari Luci brought her two sons Ross and Rick and their children to form our blended family. After enjoying each other's company for a good while Mari Luci sadly passed in 2019.

James had a wonderful life. It was rich and full of reward. He made every minute count. We loved you dearly and are going to miss everything about you, Dad.

Services for James will be held at 10:00 am on Friday January 31, 2025, at

La Vida Llena,10501 Lagrima de Oro Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

In Lieu of flowers, James asks for you to please give to your favorite charity.