James Johns

James Pingree Johns, the only son of James E. and Ruth Williams Johns, died peacefully on Monday, October 19, 2015.

Jimmie was born on July 6, 1923, in Keokuk, Iowa. When he was three years old, the family moved to Roswell, New Mexico, where they had purchased the franchise to bottle Coca-Cola for the Pecos Valley. He attended Missouri Avenue Elementary School, North Junior High School, Roswell High School, NMMI, and graduated from the NMMI Junior College in 1943. Jimmie served his country in two wars - World War II and the Korean War. During World War II, Lieutenant Johns served in Italy with the 85th Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division, earning the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Between the wars, Jimmie attended the University of Colorado where he met Amy Marriott. They were married on December 23, 1947. In 1948, Jimmie completed his degree in Business Administration, and he and Amy moved back to Roswell. At that time, Jimmie joined the family business at Pecos Valley Coca-Cola Bottling Company. When the company was sold, Jimmie started a second successful career with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance.

Jimmie is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Amy; son Kirk Wesley and wife Elizabeth Johns; son James A. (Jim) Johns; and cousins Jimmy and Sue Johns of Carlsbad and Leslie and Donald Dungan of Artesia. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Christopher E. Johns.

Jimmie enjoyed playing tennis and golf and had a lifelong love of flying and airplanes, which he shared with his close friend, Bob Brown. As a teenager, Jimmie helped to pour concrete for the runways at Walker Air Force Base, and later owned several small experimental airplanes.

A patriotic, smart, dedicated, hard worker, Jimmie enjoyed serving the country and the community that he loved. He was a 33rd degree Mason and Shriner and a member of First United Methodist Church since 1933. Jimmie served as President of the Roswell Symphony Board, Campaign Chairman for the United Way of Chaves County, and President of the Roswell Association of Life Underwriters. He was a member of the Roswell Chamber of Commerce, Roswell Red Coats, the National Association of 10th Mountain Division, the Coca-Cola Bottlers Association, and the Million Dollar Round Table with Northwestern Mutual Life. He loved music and was a strong supporter of the Roswell Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Roswell Museum and Art Center, the Roswell Public Library, the Assurance Home, Spencer Theatre, and many other charitable and community organizations.

A memorial service to celebrate Jimmie's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. Pennsylvania with Rev. Tina Cross of First United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment will follow at First United Methodist Columbarium with the Roswell Veteran's Honor Guard conducting Military Rites.

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