James Gilbert Cordova Jr. passed away suddenly on April 12, 2025 doing what he loved, working on his camper. James, Jim, Gil, Gilbert or Jimmy as people called him, is preceded in death by his mother and father, Annie and Jim Cordova, and his brothers, Joe, Tito, Danny, and Leroy Cordova.
He is survived by his sisters, Lydia, Joann and Vickie Cordova, his ex-wife, Lela Cordova, which he had three girls with, Annamarie, Deborah and Carolyn Cordova, as well as 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
James was born in Dawson, New Mexico. He had many happy childhood memories in Rockvale, Colorado and teen years in Raton, New Mexico, where he played in The Lancers band. He rode a donkey, gathered wood and learned to drive with his dad in Taos, New Mexico.
He had many talents he could do almost anything. James loved his family and spent time raising his girls and many animals. he loved horses, his dog, pepe, motorcycles, old cars, music, woodworking, camping and fishing.
James was a US Navy Veteran and was in the Vietnam War, and he retired in Canyon City where he had a smile for everyone. He was very loved and is already missed tremendously.
James celebration of life will be at Saint Patrick/ Saint Joseph’s Church at 104 Buena Vista in Raton, New Mexico on Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 11 am followed by a Veteran Salute at Fairmont Cemetery in Raton and then a gathering with food and drinks. Everyone is welcome.
If you have questions please contact Anna Cordova at 719-661-3199
