In Loving memory of James (Jim) Everet Elam

James (Jim) Everet Elam passed away Thursday, May 19, 2016, at the age of 73, due to complications after surgery. He was born in Taos, New Mexico, on September 25, 1942, to Guy and Opal Elam. As a young man, one of his first jobs was at the El Rey Truck Stop in Starkville, Colorado, where he met Janice Van Matre, his wife of nearly 54 years.

Jim spent most of his career operating heavy machinery for Butt Brothers and as a construction foreman with W. M. Serazio. He had a great memory and always had a story to share from his many life experiences, often making the family laugh with his witty sense of humor. Jim had a love for wildlife and he & Janice often drove up the mine road to look for bear, elk, deer, and turkey. He also enjoyed fishing, hanging out with the guys at Car Quest, an occasional gambling trip, watching the Denver Broncos, and riding his motorcycle. Jim’s greatest joy in life was his grandkids and you could always find at least one of them (usually more) sitting on the arm of his recliner “hanging out with grandpa”.

Jim is survived by his wife Janice; his daughters Terri Green and husband Sean of Raton, Donna Mullaney and husband Chris of Albuquerque, and son Rick Elam of Stanton, Texas; grandchildren Sara Segotta and boyfriend Teddy Rosario, Andrew Segotta and wife Carla, Jack Mullaney, Kaily Elam, Tarik Elam, and Kloiy Elam; great grandson Brayden Decker; sister Minnie Ashbaugh; sisters-in-law Patricia Macaluso and husband Ron, Georgia K. Sharp and husband Ed, and Karon Malouff; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Services will be Tuesday, May 31, at 10:00 a.m., at Yaksich-Long Funeral Home, followed by a reception at the St. Patrick-St. Joseph Parish Hall. Cremation has taken place and a private family inurnment will be held at a later time.

Arrangements and celebration of love for James “Jim E. Elam are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton