James Gilbert Garley

James Gilbert Garley 

1946-2024 

James Gilbert Garley, age 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2024, with his loving wife, Rosie, at his side, surrounded by his children and family. 

James was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy; his parents, Eloy and Elfides Garley; brother, Eloy Garley Jr.; his father and mother-in-law, Trinidad and Mary Moreno; brothers and sisters-in-law, Martha Garley, Phillip Peralta, Mario Moreno, Demecia and Rey Gallegos and Theresa and David Fajardo. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Rosie; son, Gregory; daughters, Victoria Donche (Michael), Roseann Chavez, Frances Medrano, Louisa Getman (Chris) and Sybil Mora (Arturo). 

Grandchildren, Joshua Salmon (Jessica), Dominic Salmon, Aaron Medrano (Samantha), Mikal Araujo, Zachery Donche (Karli), Nichole Harwood (Thomas), Naomi Romero (Johnny), NaLoni Donche, Raeann Chavez, Rhiannon Saiz and Aliya Mora; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Willie and Gerald (Mary Helen); and one sister, Christina Moya (Louie). 

James joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17, immediately after graduation from Los Lunas High School. He served in Vietnam and said he would do it all over again if called upon. He was a true sergeant, a true hero. He continued serving his country and his community, volunteering to uphold any and all traditional values of veterans. He lived by a strong code of ethics and always put his fellow veterans and his community first above self. 

Upon his return home, he attended New Mexico State University and majored in elementary education but chose a career as a painter instead, and remained an Aggie forever.  

He was true to his family and became heavily involved in coaching his children and their teams. He retired from civil service after 20 years at Kirtland Air Force Base and retired from the VA Hospital.  

In 1994, James was honored by the New Mexico Legislature after receiving the Jefferson Award, the nation’s highest most prestigious award for his courageous commitment and strong leadership in his community. That same year, he received the Courage of Profile award given to Vietnam veterans who continue to serve their country and their communities. 

James and Rosie served one year as mayordomos of Sangre de Cristo Church in Peralta. In 2008, James and Rosie, together as a team, were named Valencia County-News Bulletin’s Citizen of the Year for their commitment to veterans who they consider our national treasure. James met his match as Rosie is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and true to the Corps.  

His legacy will never die as he instilled his patriotism in his children and his community. 

Funeral services, with full military honors, will be held at Our Lady of Belen on Friday, April 26, with Fr. John Kimani, assisted by Deacon Chris Martinez, Lupe Duncan and Gilbert Garley. James will be escorted to his final resting place by his grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers will be his comrades from Los Lunas VFW Post 9676. 

The family would like to thank Presbyterian Hospice team, especially Jessica Sanchez and Tina Bibiano for their constant attention and care. 

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.