Obituary of James A Rivera

James Anthony Rivera, Sr. passed away at his home on August 5, 2022 in Peña Blanca, NM. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Gualupita Rivera by 293 days; as well as brothers Joe & Fred Rivera and sister Clovia Segura. A lifelong rancher and farmer, James tirelessly worked the land to provide for his family and exemplify the sense of hard work for just reward.

James retired honorably as Master Sergeant from the New Mexico Air National Guard’s 150th Maintenance Squadron after 29 years of meritorious service and included a tour in Vietnam under the 188th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

James is survived by his two children, Judy Rivera - Juarez and her husband, Carlos; James Rivera Jr. and his wife Roberta; three grandchildren Jasmin, Santiago and Sevastían; his brothers Roy, Lisandro and Bernie Rivera; sisters Mary Ann Arthur and Virginia Ortiz and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

James was a devout member of our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Pena Blanca. On Thursday, August 18, 2022 a procession from his home to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church will be made from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. followed by Rosary recital for James at 3:00 p.m. and Funeral Mass at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be held at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM on Friday, August 19 at 9:00 a.m. The pallbearers will be Robert Ortiz Jr., Leonard Rivera, Raul Rivera, Jeffrey Hartogensis, Kenny Trujillo and Gary Trujillo. Honorary pallbearers will be Santiago and Sevastían Rivera.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Rivera Family Farm’s GoFundMe in response to the devastating fire there on May 19, 2022. https://gofund.me/c04f944a