James Alton Tankesly

J ames "Jim" Alton Tankesly, age 82, went home to his Father on May 4, 2017, surrounded by his friends and family. He was born September 4, 1935 in Indianola, MS as the eldest child of Vernon and Jessie Beatrice Tankesly. He met the love of his life, Maria in Las Cruces. Maria had been visiting her mother and was waiting for the bus with her niece, Irma, when Jim saw them. He offered them a ride home, but Maria declined. Jim went around the block and offered again. Maria still waited on the bus, but Irma said, "Let's go, Tia!" The third trip around the block was the kicker! Maria said yes! Maria again said yes and married him on October 8, 1960 in Mesilla, NM. They had four children, Fabian, Gloria, Gary (Melissa), and Jim (Annette). As the children were growing up, Jim and Maria enjoyed fishing and camping with them. The family spent many weekends relaxing at Caballo Lake or Silver Lake. He told many stories about his life and could always find the humor in every situation. He loved playing cards and would often wake up before everyone else and play solitaire until breakfast time. He loved going out to eat and spending time out with his family, going to church and reading his bible, and spending time playing dominoes and other games with his family and friends. He enjoyed being a grandfather, cheering them on at school and sporting events and left a mark on everyone who came in contact with him. Jim served in the United States Army for 9 years. He had the opportunity to visit overseas (Libya and South Korea). He then worked for New Mexico State Police for 11 years. He is survived by wife Maria; his 4 children; his grandchildren Melinda, Dominique, Jennifer, Megan, Briana, Vanessa, Julianna, Donny, Shiloe, and Joseph; his two younger brothers, Vernon Raye (Joyce) and Pervy Lee (Cheryl) and younger sister Vera Maye Toler (Richard), 10 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Beatrice, and grandson Angel. Viewing will be held on May 17, 2017 from 4:00-5:00pm for family and from 5:00-7:00pm for the public at Getz Funeral Home. The funeral will be held on May 18, 2017 at 1:00pm at Cornerstone Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Doug Cowan. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Alphonso Alcachupas, Richard Garcia, Gary Tankesly, Jim Tankesly, Donny Tankesly and Joseph Valles. First Visitation
Wednesday, May 10, 2017 5:00pm - 7:00pm,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

1410 E. Bowman Ave
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001






Interment Location

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens

5140 W. Picacho Ave.
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88007