Jim “Tito” Blea Sr. age 76 passed away Thursday, December 15, 2016 in Raton, NM. He was born April 19, 1940 in Heck Canyon, NM, the son of Daniel and Rebecca Leal-Blea.
Jim was raised and went to school in Springer, NM before attending Mechanic School. He had many interests and hobbies which included fishing, camping, hunting, classic cars, music, singing, dancing, playing cards, and playing in pool tournaments. He loved to tell jokes and enjoyed hearing them from others. Jim enjoyed spending time around his family and friends and he loved all the little ones and they loved him. He will always be known and remembered by many for his famous “Menudo”.
Jim was a bartender for many years. Mr. Blea was a member of the New Mexico National Guard for 27 years where he was well known for his cooking and later retired from the City of Raton where he was a Truck Driver for 32 years. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and the VFW.
Jim is survived by his wife Sally of 52 years and their three children; daughter, Rebecca Herrera of Springer, and sons Jim C. Blea and partner Rosie of Raton, and Samuel Blea and wife Jennifer of Springer. Brother, Lalo Blea and wife Betty of Bay Point, CA.; Mother in law, Mary Alarid of Raton, Sister in law, Mary Blea of Pueblo, CO. Four grandchildren, Danica Fernandez, Donna Romero, Desiree Blea and Magdalena Gonzales. Five great grandchildren Kyanna and Nevaeh Rodriguez and Dante, Darren, and Dion Fernandez. Numerous special relatives, in laws, and friends are also left behind.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Francis Sandoval and husband John; brother, Ben Blea and wife Nellie; brother, Tony Blea, and brother, Danny Blea and wife Ruth.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 20, 2016 from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home in Raton, NM.
Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at the Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springer, NM. Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 10:30 A.M. with Father Emmanuel Izuka as the celebrant. Rite of Christian Burial will follow in the Springer Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jim Blea Jr., John Sandoval, Tim Trujillo, Ted Borquez, Teddy Guara and Mike Moore.
Services and Celebration of Love for Jim “Tito” Blea are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.
