Amelio Jacques

Amelio Jacques, of Las Cruces, NM, entered eternal rest on June 6, 2025. He was born on July 24, 1938, in Chamberino, NM, to Prajedes and Mercedes Jacques.

Amelio is survived by his devoted wife, Virginia of 66 years; his two sons, Leo wife Diane, and Robert of Las Cruces; and his two daughters, Yvonne Montoya husband Kenneth, and Melissa Andrews husband Chris of Chandler, AZ and three sisters; Estelle Carbajal husband Rudy, Lucy Apodaca husband Alfred and Corine McElhaney and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Kristopher Montoya, Audrey and Richard Jacques, Nicholas, Dallas, and Brittany Andrews and a great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren: Kieryn, Dextyn and Lily Andrews and Araylia Garcia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers—Prajedes Jr., Tito, Frank, Danny, Steve and Sammy Jacques—and three sisters, Lina Valles, Maria Flores and Minnie Moore.

Amelio excelled academically, graduating in 1956 among the top 10 in his high school class and earning membership in the National Honor Society at Gadsden High School. He pursued higher education at New Mexico State University and McMurry University before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Colorado State University. His studies at Colorado State University were sponsored by the Air Force Institute of Technology, a distinction he earned through competitive examination. His first enlistment into the US Air Force was in 1959.

Following his education, and after completing Officer Training School, Amelio was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He then served his country honorably during the Vietnam War as an aircraft weapons officer, achieving the rank of Captain. His dedicated service was recognized with numerous medals, ribbons, and decorations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Amelio was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Amelio continued his pursuit of knowledge after returning from the Viet Nam War, attending the University of Utah and subsequently entered the graduate school at Colorado State University. While in graduate school, he became a member of the Society of Physics Students of the American Institute of Physics and taught physics courses as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. In August 1972, he earned a Master of Science degree in Physics.

Amelio had a distinguished career as a Physicist and Operations Research Systems Analyst at the White Sands Missile Range, where he worked until his retirement. Even after retiring, his passion for education remained strong. He pursued post-graduate studies at New Mexico State University, earning his New Mexico State Teacher’s License and going on to teach mathematics at his alma mater, Gadsden High School. He later shared his expertise as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the Dona Ana Community College on a part-time basis.

Outside of his professional achievements, Amelio loved time outdoors. He especially enjoyed fishing in the mountains of Ruidoso, NM and in northern Colorado with his close friend, Joe “Tuna” Valdez.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Robert Jacques, Richard Jacques, Nicholas Andrews, Dallas Andrews, Chris Andrews and Kenneth Montoya.

Services for Amelio will be held on Tuesday, June 17th at Cedar Hills Church of the Cross beginning with a viewing at 10:30 am followed by services at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.