James Ernest Smith

James Ernest Smith, 67, of Moriarty, NM, went home to be with Jesus after a courageous fourteen-month battle with Pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 in Albuquerque, NM with his loving family beside him. Jim was born April 8, 1938 in Santa Rosa, NM to Bert and Erba (Harris) Smith. He married Dori Leyba on January 4, 1960. Jim worked as an Operating Engineer for the I.U.O.E. Local 953. He served in the United States Marine Corps and was active in the American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Dori; sons, Albert J. Smith of Moriarty, NM, and Bryan K. Smith of Albuquerque, NM,; daughter, Lori Rajunas and her husband Joe of Moriarty, NM; brother Melvin D. Smith and his wife Marge of McIntosh, NM; sister, Josie M. Lancaster of Bend, OR; and five grandchildren, Joshua, Eric, Sasha, Olya, and Dasha; Jim's dog Rowdy; and numerous nieces and nephews . His parents, Bert and Erba Smith preceded him in death. Jim will lie-in-state August 28,2005 at the Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty, NM. A funeral Service will be held on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 11:00 AM at the Moriarty Civic Center in Moriarty, NM. Jim's dear friend Charlie Anderson will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Jim Roybal, Eddie Roybal, Joe Roybal, Al Leyba, and Tom Leyba. Honorary pallbearers will be Tall Boy West, Andre Whitson, Desi Garcia, George Lavato, Mike Ortiz, Richard Ramsey, and Mike Winner. Interment will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 PM in Santa Fe, NM.