Gail James

Gail B James, 87

October 12, 1937 - July 3, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our mom, family member, and friend, Gail B James, who passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025.

She was born in Farmington in 1937, attended Durango High School, attended Ft. Lewis College, then BYU, and later received a degree from NMSU. She met her adoring husband, Marvin James, in 1958. They moved to Las Cruces in 1967. She retired from the NMSU Agriculture College. Both our parents loved and cared for the community in profound ways.

For the 58 years she lived in Las Cruces, she was immensely dedicated to serving; she served in many leadership roles in the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints. Her service extended throughout the community, most notably, making thousands of baby blankets through Project Linus. She was also a member/president of the Las Cruces Iris Club and member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha philanthropic organization.

Gail never wanted to be in the limelight, but others saw her gifts, and she always said “yes”. Yes to giving, yes to serving, yes to loving.

A service celebrating Gail’s life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints in Las Cruces on Saturday, July 16, 2025, at 11 AM (visitation at 10:20 AM) at 2915 E Idaho Ave, and followed by a graveside dedication at the Masonic Cemetery at 760 S Compress Rd.

Gail is survived by her three daughters: Anna Marie Rios, Mary Carol Kolbenschlag, and Patricia Renee James-Jaramillo. Her son-in-laws: Ralph Rios, Chris Kolbenschlag, and Thomas Jaramillo. Her six grandchildren; Brianna and Derek Rios, Josh and Caleb Kolbenschlag, Sophia and Julian Jaramillo. Her surviving siblings/spouses: Jeff and Elvira Burnham, Joyce Burnham, Bruce and Virginia Burnham, and Debbie and Bob Moss. In addition to many nieces, nephews, and others in the community, she treated like family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor to Project Linus