Jose Ramon Vigil

 Jose Ramon Vigil, 100 years old from Chimayo, NM passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024. Jose Ramon was born in Cundiyo, NM on July 23, 1924, to Marcos B. and Floripa Vigil.

Jose Ramon served in the US Army from 1943 to 1945 as a Private, Company “I”, 115th Infantry. He fought in the Battle of Normandy, France in World War II and was honorably discharged due to injuries received. He was awarded the EAMET Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon and the Purple Heart for his courageous service. After being discharged he met the love of his life and were married on May 24, 1950. They built a life in Chimayo, NM to raise their 4 children. He had numerous jobs throughout his life, but his passion was working the land. He spent most of his life farming and raising cattle and horses. Jose Ramon and his wife, Aurelia, were featured in the Santa Fean Magazine in October of 1996 for the old way of farming. He was also featured in the New Mexican newspaper in May of 1994 with his brother, showing the old way of plowing to prepare the family garden. He created clientele that would seek him out to purchase his crops that he grew. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and going to the sierra on horseback and just generally being in the outdoors. Jose Ramon was like a second father and grandfather to many throughout his neighborhood. 

Jose Ramon is preceded in death by his parents, Marcos B. and Floripa Vigil, his son, Dennis Vigil and companion (Melita Atencio), his 3 brothers, Ernesto, Neto (Ernesto) and Manuel Vigil, grandson, Gabriel Vigil, granddaughter, Claudette Martinez, great-grandson, Angel Romero, his sister, Fedelina Lopez (Felipe), in-laws, Jose Maria and Juanita Coriz, son in-law, Rubel Martinez, brother in-law, Harold Pool and niece, Tina Pool-Lopez and numerous other family.

Jose Ramon is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Aurelia Vigil; his children, Marilyn Martinez, Lillian Martinez and Albert Vigil (Angela) all of Chimayo, sister, Corina Pool, brother, David Vigil of Cundiyo, and sister in-laws Martha Vigil and Grace Salazar. 8 grandchildren, Juan Adrian, Josephine (Roberto), Jessica (Carpio), Leroy (Donna), Jackie (Tony), Juanita (Leo), Albert Jr. and Marcos (Hannah); 18 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and 1 on the way; a close neighbor who was also like a daughter, Susie Ruiz and numerous other family members. 

Pallbearers are Adrian Martinez, Leroy Martinez, Jerome Vigil, Gabriel Martinez, Jesus Urquidi, Tony Moya, Joshua Ibarra and Roberto Urquidi

Honorary Pallbearers are all his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

 A special thank you to Derek Vigil, his caregiver, the Ambercare staff and the VA Homebase Program for their compassionate care.

 A rosary will take place on August 6, 2024, at 1:00pm at Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 2:00pm, burial will follow at Nuestra Senora de Carmen Cemetery in Chimayo.

The family of Jose Ramon Vigil has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.