James Thomas

James Thomas Cline, 79, of Willard, New Mexico passed away Thursday April 13th. Tom was born in Graham, Texas to George Garland and Susie Reed Cline – a twin to Patsy and younger brother to Georgia. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Sharon Smith Cline, sons James Russel and Clint Wade Cline. Tom is survived by his sisters Patsy (Cecil) Batts and Georgia (l.Charles) Duncan, daughters Jolyn (Chuck) Schaefer, Shellie Langley and sons Will (Nacona) Cline and Tay (Tiffany) Cline. He also leaves behind the legacy of 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Tom and his family lived on a ranch in Graham, Texas and then moved to New Mexico in 1947, moving around many times then landing in Albuquerque in 1954. Tom excelled at every job he held from the Highway Department to Dry Cleaner, Ranch Hand on the Hubbel Ranch, Teamster, truck driver and Sharon's Ranching Partner. Tom was a friend to everyone he met and loved hunting, fishing, and rodeo. He helped many kids get their first deer and was the NMHSRA Rough Stock Director for many years. He thought of all the rodeo kids as his own and treated them as such. Family was the most important to him and raising his kids to be Clines. All Cline kids and Honorary Cline kids know what that means. A funeral service for Tom will take place on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 1:00 pm at the Ancho, New Mexico School House. Interment will immediately follow at the Ancho, New Mexico Community Cemetery. Pallbearers: Tay Cline, Ike Cline, Fletcher Tigner, Mason Greenwood, Johnny Matthews, Ray Hendricks. In lieu of flowers, Tom's family has requested that donations be made to the Benny Smith Rodeo Scholarship Fund, C/O Marissa Muncy, PO Box 123 Corona, New Mexico 88318 in Tom's name. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., (505)864-4448, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com.
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