James Milton Conley

Another of God's children was called from labor to reward on April 20, 2016 in Las Cruces, NM. James Milton Conley was 72 years old. Jim's grandmother, Willie McCrimmon a licensed midwife, delivered him at home in Vado on June 2, 1943. Jim was the third of six children born to Cordelia Evelyn (McCrimmon) Conley and Samuel Gates Conley. He was baptized at an early age in New Hope Baptist Church, Vado, NM. Jim was a member of New Hope and Bethel Second Baptist of Las Cruces. He shared his knowledge of the Bible teaching Sunday school and leading Bible study groups. Jim completed elementary school at Dunbar in Vado. Grades 7-12 were in Anthony at Gadsden where he graduated in 1961. Extra-curricular programs for Jim were band where he played the alto saxophone. In FFA he raised hogs that won blue ribbons in competitions and fairs. Jim was athletic and lettered all four years of high school. In track and field, he set meet and school records running sprints and relays. Jim also got great coaching in football. Their team was state champions. His football ability earned him a scholarship at NMSU and his college exposure enabled him to tryout with the Chicago Bears. He found ways to give back his love of sports by coaching Pee Wee football. Jim was a veteran of the US Army. He was a sharpshooter (M-14), graduate of Non-Commissioned Officers' Academy and earned the rank of corporal. His unit was very heavy field artillery. While stationed in Germany he was on the boxing team. Jim had many jobs throughout his life. He worked as a trucker, as a dairy man, and as a contractor overseas. His main love was agriculture and working with animals and he only wanted to do this in Dona Ana County. Growing roses and produce were his hobbies, which he proudly shared with his neighbors and friends. Jim had mixed results with relationships, being married twice. But he was loved and respected by family, friends and all who knew him. For many years Jim was a member of the NAACP and donated his service by barbecuing for their June 19th celebration. He was also active with EBID meetings. He was preceded in death by both parents and brothers John Evans, George Harold, and Gregory Baldwin. Jim leaves the following family to cherish his memory: sister Bonnie Joan Rousseau, brother Gerald, sister-in-law Meg O'Leary, and many cousins, nieces, nephew, and friends. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 3pm at Getz Funeral Home. PDF Printable Version