Zaqueo James (Jaime) Acosta, age 77, passed away surrounded by his loving family on August 20, 2025. Jaime was born on July 31st, 1948 in Las Vegas, New Mexico to Zaqueo and Cecilia Acosta.
Jaime grew up in Mesilla, NM at the four corners, where his love of music began. Jaime was a pillar in the music community in Las Cruces, a valued and coveted member of countless bands, beginning at 13 years old. Jaime was an immensely talented saxophone player and
singer. From Tejano, to oldies, to our favorites, “Play That Funky Music,” “Mustang Sally,” and “When a Man Loves a Woman,” his passion shined on every stage he graced. Jaime playedand sang with a magnetic energy, filling every dance floor he played in front of. While it was a guiding force in his life, music was not his only passion - Jaime was a true Renaissance man. Jaime led an impressive career as a construction superintendent, leading in the construction of striking buildings across the world, in California, Georgia, and the Cayman Islands. Outside of his career, when he wasn’t practicing with a band, he loved to pack up for spontaneous trips to the mountains or lakes for fishing with his daughter and son. In his retirement years, he took joy in tending to his many flowers, trees, and vegetable plants. Jaime won many blue ribbons at the Southern New Mexico State Fair for his flowers, fruits and vegetables, woodwork, baking, and photography. His favorite photo subjects were his family members, with a home covered in photos of his loved ones. He was a baker and chef who spent years perfecting his chicharrones, biscochos, and pecan pies. Jaime was a prolific collector, with an eccentric home full of art, figurines, antiques, records, and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. Jaime was a deeply creative person and impressive craftsman, often creating personalized gifts and art for his family. Jaime was a caring and supportive father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a shining example of a husband throughout his 58 years of marriage to his beautiful wife Rosa. He spent many years providing tender care to his wife - a legacy and love that will inspire his family for generations to come. The two could be seen attending mass every Sunday, seated in the back pew of the Basilica of San Albino, often wearing matching outfits which he selected for them each day. Jaime’s faith served as an anchor. He will be remembered for leading his family in prayer and drawing upon his faith as a source of strength and peace.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Rosa Gallegos Acosta, his children Tessie Acosta Watkins (Husband -Tracy) and Jaime Acosta Jr. (Wife - Diane). His grandchildren Catarina Acosta, Celinda Acosta Soto (Husband - Anthony) and Emily Williams. His great grandchildren Ella Mendez and Derek Roybal. His siblings Diana (John) Barela, Salley (Faustino) Marquez, Veronica (Bobby) Galaz, Billy Acosta, Sonja (Tony) Quintero, Lorrina (Ray) Sanchez, Cecelia Juarez (Edward), Mona Acosta and Luisa (Richard Jay) Benavidez. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was greeted in heaven by his loving granddaughter Christianna Williams, his parents Zaqueo and Cecilia, and his brother Zacky.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 at Basilica of San Albino, 2070 Calle De Santiago, Mesilla, New Mexico 88046.
The viewing will commence at 11:30am, rosary at 12:00 pm, followed by mass at 12:30 pm. At the conclusion of mass, Jaime will be laid to rest at San Albino Cemetery, 3115 Calle De Guadalupe, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005.
Serving as Paul Bearers will be Nicholas Handley-Acosta, Richard Benavidez, Robert Galaz, Gabriel Galaz, Malvin Lueras, and Jessie Montoya.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Zaqueo Acosta, please visit our flower store.
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