Charlene Saenz James
August 23, 1962 — March 3, 2024
Charlene Saenz James passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Las Cruces, NM on March 3rd, 2024, at the age of 61.
Charlene was born on August 23, 1962, in El Paso, TX to Estella Benavidez and Charlie Saenz of La Mesa, NM. She eventually settled in Las Cruces where she attended high school. Charlene or “Chuck” as she was affectionately known, graduated...
Charlene Saenz James passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Las Cruces, NM on March 3rd, 2024, at the age of 61.
Charlene was born on August 23, 1962, in El Paso, TX to Estella Benavidez and Charlie Saenz of La Mesa, NM. She eventually settled in Las Cruces where she attended high school. Charlene or “Chuck” as she was affectionately known, graduated from Mayfield in 1980 where she was active on both the dance and cross-country teams.
Charlene married her first husband in 1984 and they shared one child, her only son, Josh. After the two divorced, Charlene was a single mom for many years raising and providing for her son on her own. Charlene was able to earn her degree in Radiology Technology from New Mexico State in 1998. She began her career in radiology technology at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, NM before returning to Las Cruces.
Charlene met the love of her life, Joe, while working at Memorial Medical Center. The two of them married in a romantic ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 7th, 2003. Together they enjoyed many years of adventures that included traveling, fishing, attending concerts, and attending a Broncos vs. Chargers game when they could. Charlene later taught herself to paint with her left hand after losing mobility on her right side due to a stroke in 2011.
Charlene is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Joe of Las Cruces; son Jo...
Charlene Saenz James passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Las Cruces, NM on March 3rd, 2024, at the age of 61.
Charlene was born on August 23, 1962, in El Paso, TX to Estella Benavidez and Charlie Saenz of La Mesa, NM. She eventually settled in Las Cruces where she attended high school. Charlene or “Chuck” as she was affectionately known, graduated from Mayfield in 1980 where she was active on both the dance and cross-country teams.
Charlene married her first husband in 1984 and they shared one child, her only son, Josh. After the two divorced, Charlene was a single mom for many years raising and providing for her son on her own. Charlene was able to earn her degree in Radiology Technology from New Mexico State in 1998. She began her career in radiology technology at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, NM before returning to Las Cruces.
Charlene met the love of her life, Joe, while working at Memorial Medical Center. The two of them married in a romantic ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 7th, 2003. Together they enjoyed many years of adventures that included traveling, fishing, attending concerts, and attending a Broncos vs. Chargers game when they could. Charlene later taught herself to paint with her left hand after losing mobility on her right side due to a stroke in 2011.
Charlene is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Joe of Las Cruces; son Josh (Jenae) Kirkpatrick; step-daughter Andrea (Ricardo) Jimenez; step-son Joseph (Julianne) James; she was a proud and loving grandma to Olivia and Miles Kirkpatrick, Reagan, Grayson, and Payton Jimenez, and Sophia and Dylan James; her parents Estella Benavidez, and Charlie (Cuca) Saenz; her sisters Donna (Dan) Saenz Shenck, Lori Baca, and brothers Steve Saenz and Charles Paul Saenz. She loved dearly her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Charlene’s life will be honored on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. a public viewing will begin at 10:15, followed by a service at 11:00 at Getz Funeral Home 1410 E Bowman Ave, Las Cruces, NM.
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