In Loving Memory of James Ray Phelps

James Ray Phelps, 86, of Raton, New Mexico, died October 24, 2024.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Jimmy was born June 24, 1938, in Windsor, Missouri to Earl and Trophena Melvina “Jackie” (French) P.

He proudly served in the United States Army as a medic from 1960 to 1963. After his discharge, he joined the family construction business with his uncles and later owned his own construction company in Raton.

Jimmy was the most at home in the great outdoors and loved to fish and hunt. He was a trapper and fur trader his whole life. For a time, he did research for the New Mexico State Game Commission, and he held an office with the National Trappers Association. Jim was his happiest out running trap lines which he continued to do until he was 85 years old.

Jimmy married Martha Louise Carson in Raton on July 21, 1973. Together they shared their love of lakes and the outdoors with family and friends. Lake Powell was a favorite destination for many years. in 1989, he and Martha opened Santa Fe Trail Traders in Raton which they operated until shortly before Martha’s death in 2017.

Jim was preceded in death by his partner and best friend, Martha, and his parents, Earl and Jackie.

He is survived by his brother Dennis Phelps and wife Sherry of Stratford and their children Jan Shields and family of Lubbock and Nick Phelps and family of Amarillo; a son, Scott Gourley of Hot Springs, Arkansas; grandson, John Gourley, and family; granddaughter Sarah Grace Gourley and family; and cousin and caregiver, Dennis Marchet of Raton.