James Charles Sanchez

October 29, 1952 – October 16, 2026

James Charles Sanchez, 73, of San Patricio, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on

October 16, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Born on October 29, 1952, in Long Beach, California, James was the son of Ernest and

Oralia Sanchez. He went on to attend New Mexico Highland University, laying the

groundwork for a life filled with hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout his

career James worked at the Stallion Site, owned and operated J& J Records, and

served as the assistant manager of John Brooks Supermart for many years. He enjoyed

all of his coworkers, and he could always be found playing lighthearted jokes, teasing

them, and giving them a hard time in the warmest way possible.

James lived a life defined by an extraordinary capacity to love, an open heart, and a joy

that was completely contagious. He never met a stranger and treated everyone he

encountered with genuine respect, warmth, and kindness. To know James was to know

a master storyteller. He had a unique way of spinning a tale, always accompanied by his

one-of-a-kind laugh. Once James got going, his laughter would fill the room, and before

long, everyone around him would be laughing just as hard-even if they had no idea why.

A true lover of life’s simple pleasures, James was the happiest outdoors, whether he

was fishing, attending sporting events, soaking up the sun, or busy working on the trees

in his orchard. He was a passionate lover of music and undisputedly the best at Spanish

dancing; he would spin you so fast with a huge grin stretching from ear to ear.

More than anything, James thrived during family get-togethers. He was an avid San

Francisco 49ers fan who loved nothing more than enjoying a Sunday football game

surrounded by his family. James loved a good meal, especially the sweets. You could

always find him with a dessert in his hand and the salt in his pocket. He was a patient

teacher and a playful, devoted grandfather who was always playing dress-up, throwing

footballs, doing art, or playing outside. He took great joy in passing down his wisdom

teaching his grandchildren how to build things by hand or how to drive.

James was blessed to experience two great chapters of love and companionship in his

lifetime. He was married to his wife Ruby, with whom he shared 32 beautiful years of

marriage and built the foundation of his family before her passing. Later in life, James

found love and happiness again with his devoted parter of the last 18 years, Eustolia,

who stood faithfully by his side. They shared many adventures together and created a

wonderful life. Above all else, James adored his grandchildren more than anything in

this world. He loved them fiercely and took immense pride in watching them grow. His

legacy of unconditional love, hearty laughter, and kindness lives on in them and the rest

of his family.

James is survived by his loving partner, Eustolia; his son James; his daughter

Stephanie, and her husband Eric; and his stepson, JJ, and his wife Shelly. He leaves

behind his sisters, Janice (and partner Brett); Lisa, Cheri (and husband Brian); his

sister-in-law, Joyce; and a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, godchildren,

extended family and friends.

He is also survived by his deeply cherished grandchildren: Cheynne, James, Faith (and

partner Jordan), Eric Jr, Nyeleigh, Zavier, Damien, Maribel, Mario, Makayla, Little JJ,

Richard, Destany, Deja, Robert, and great granddaughter Ivy Jo.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruby; his parents Ernest and Oralia;

his brothers Ernie and Stevie; and his stepdaughter Sonnia.

A celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date.