James G. Shook

James G. Shook of Las Cruces, NM passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at Mesilla Valley Hospice after battling Parkinson's disease. Jim was born on February 11, 1935 in Grand Junction, CO, the son of the late H. Benjamin Shook and Dorothy G. Shook. He graduated from high school in 1953 from New Mexico Military Institute. He then attended NMSU for two years and then transferred and graduated from Oklahoma University. He was a member of the SAE fraternity and maintained close ties with his fraternity brothers throughout his life. Afterwards he served his country proudly in the US Army and US Army Reserves as a Captain. After leaving the Army, he joined his father Ben at Shook Tire Company in Las Cruces, NM where he owned and operated the business until his retirement in 2003. He was active in the National Tire Dealers Association and served as President in 1999. Jim was also a very active member of his local community. He served as a Board member of Western Bank, past President of the Sunrise Lions Club, a lifetime Mason, and upon retirement as a volunteer with BLM. Jim enjoyed the outdoors and was an accomplished artist in oils, acrylics and watercolors. He loved photography, hiking, river rafting and golfing. He traveled extensively and enjoyed trying new cuisine. He enjoyed a glass of wine in his back yard and was constantly vexed by the doves that also shared his sanctuary. An ardent reader, Jim was well versed in news, politics and history and enjoyed discussing his views with his coffee group. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elizabeth. He is survived by his devoted children, son Jimmy Shook and his wife Salina of Edmond, OK and daughter Susan Hettinga and her husband Mark of Las Cruces, NM . He is also survived by his five cherished grandchildren, Ben, Will and Alex Shook and Justin and Brandon Hettinga; and his brother Sonny Shook and sister Lisa Pugh both of Dallas, TX. A celebration of his life is planned for Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 11:00am at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 518 N. Alameda. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana Ave, Las Cruces, NM. Special thanks go out to the caregivers at The Arbors of Del Rey and at Mesilla Valley Hospice. PDF Printable Version