John David Tafoya

John David Tafoya Sr. (“Dave”), 78, passed on August 2, 2025, in Farmington, New Mexico.

He was born on July 14, 1947, in Farmington, New Mexico to Juan and Rosa Tafoya. Dave graduated from Farmington High School in 1966. After, he served in the United States Army as a Medical Specialist stationed in Panama. Upon discharge he worked as a seismographer across the country. Eventually he settled back in Farmington and began working for Amoco Production as a lease operator in the San Juan Basin. Dave married Jane in 1976, when they welcomed their son John David Jr. to the family. Later in 1989, they welcomed daughter Vanessa. Also, his daughter Cassy. After 25 years of service, he retired from Amoco to begin his own company, Tafoya’s Pumping Service. He was able to service various producers throughout the basin for 20+ years. After his second retirement, he finally lived out his dream in Lumberton, New Mexico.

Dave loved to be around his family and friends having a good ol’ time. From holidays to sporting events to any day that ended in Y. He was known as a pool shark in his younger years. He enjoyed the outdoors where he camped, hunted, and fished. He had the gift of gab, with a magnetic personality. Dave was loved by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents Juan and Rosa Tafoya, brothers William Sanchez, Torry Sanchez, Raymond Tafoya, Abel Tafoya, Mark Tafoya, and Larry Sanchez.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Tafoya. Daughters, Cassy Curtis and Vanessa Tafoya. Son, John David Tafoya Jr. (Elsie). Grandchildren, Siera Marrero (Tony), Triston Curtis, Logan Davis, and Murphy Tafoya. And all his nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

A Catholic funeral is scheduled for August 11th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Farmington. A rosary will be held at 9:30 am with the mass directly after at 10:00 am. The burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Reception will take place at the Sacred Heart Parish.