Santiago "Jimmy" - Age 52 - Españo Avila

Santiago “Jimmy” Avila, 52, a resident of Espanola, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, May 20, 2014. He was preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Avila Velasquez, aunt, Ninfa Maestas; infant niece, Socorro Avila Barela; half-sisters, Veronica Tapia Martinez and Gloria Tapia; half-brother, Jimmy Tapia and biological father, Elidoro Tapia. Santiago was employed for 19 years with the Howell & Associates in Los Alamos. He was part of the Espanola Valley Jaycees and was also employed with the Star Lighter Drive-In and Pasatiempo Theaters as a projectionist. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Santiago is survived by his father, Arnold Velasquez of Sombrillo; his brother, Juan Avila and wife Brenda Canales of Chimayo; sisters, Margaret Avila and companion Andy Serrano of Española and Maria Tapia of Santa Fe; nephew, Jesse Avila and companion Lydia Martinez of Española; niece, Carmen Romero and husband Juan; great niece, Janae Avila of Española; half-brothers, Robert Tapia and wife Mary Lou, Junior Tapia and companion Diana Chavez, Eddie Tapia and wife Cathy, Henry Tapia and Larry Martinez all of Santa Fe; half-sisters, Virginia Tapia, Isabel Tapia, Ramona Tapia, Marcy Tapia, Angie Tapia, and Dee Dee Ortega all of Santa Fe; uncles, Bennie Sanchez, of Santa Fe, Alex Sanchez and of Holman, and Chris Maestas of Tucumcari, and numerous relatives more. Public visitation will begin on Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, ______ at the San YsidroMorada. Burial to follow at San YsidroMorada Cemetery in Holman New Mexico. The following will be serving as honorary pallbearers Jesse Avila, Tony Valerio, Joe Rivera, Richard Martinez, Leroy Rodriguez, Joel Vigil, Yolanda Gomez, Eppie Griego, Alejandro Valdez, Tony Sandoval, and Mike Navariz. A benefit luncheon for Jimmy Avila will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2014 from 11 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Sombrillo Elementary School Gymnasium. The family of Santiago “Jimmy” Avila has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

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