Jimmy Clementino Rodriguez

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Jimmy Clementino Rodriguez announce the passing of our brilliant, talented, brave and loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. Jimmy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 24, 2024 in Rio Rancho, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents Leonora and James Rodriguez, his sister Angela, his nephew David, his cu ados and many close friends. 

Jimmy is survived by his children Patrick and Christine Rodriguez, Monica Rodriguez, Marisa and Ramon de Aragon. The mother of his children, Vera Rodriguez. His grandchildren, Michael and Mallory, Eliana, Diego, Francisco, and Alejandro. His great grandchildren, Colton and Weston. His siblings, his many nieces and nephews, primos and friends. 

Jimmy was born at home on November 23, 1938 in the beautiful Espanola Valley where he grew up alongside his brother Eduardo and his sisters Angela, Emily and Dolores. He graduated in 1957 from Espanola Valley High School. His adventurous spirit led him to many jobs over his life from working at the Espanola feed store, the railroads of Nebraska, General Motors, and as a jazz musician in Santa Monica, California. He also traveled the country as a Ford Foundation Fellow. He originally wanted to be an anthropologist but it was his trumpet playing that led him to a career in teaching and earned him a scholarship to New Mexico Highlands University. He earned a BA and MA in Fine Arts, Music and later, a third degree in Education Administration. He was a band teacher, principal and administrator in Pecos, Jemez Mountain, Hawaii, Santa Fe, Pojoaque. He spent many years in the Espanola Valley Schools as the Associate Superintendent where Jimmy was a well-respected administrator known for his innovative ideas that created programs to increase test scores and graduation rates. He was visionary and advocated for technology in the classroom; bringing the first computers to Espanola Schools. He mentored many teachers and administrators to focus on children. He was most proud of putting his foot down to ensure the best interests of students and educators.

Jimmy was authentic, curious and multi-talented. He could play any instrument and favored rancheras, classical music and jazz. He was a unique, creative and witty spirit who was well read and articulate in Spanish and English. He wrote poetry, painted in all mediums, told short stories, enjoyed good plática, played and laughed with his children and told funny jokes. One of his favorite pastimes was making people laugh. He grew a large vegetable garden and alfalfa on his farm in La Mesilla. He served on his acequia commission and raised animals. He spent many days with his family fishing along the river and in the forests and arroyos of Northern NM where he hunted elk, deer and looked for fossils. He remained all of his days a teacher who worked to instill the gift of curiosity in each of his children and grandchildren. Above all things, Jimmy loved his family.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz, NM. A  Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024. Burial will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Hernandez Community Center.

Serving as pallbearers are Michael, Eliana and Diego Rodriguez, Bryan Vigil, Angelina Trujillo and Ramon de Aragon.  

The family of Jimmy Rodriguez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477