Jermaine Benjamin Shanks

Jermaine B. “Dewdrop” Shanks passed away on July 30, 2025 at the age of 44 in Albuquerque, NM. He was surrounded by loved ones in his last days through his final breath.

Born and raised in Albuquerque on October 23, 1980 to Jerome “Rommie” Shanks and Karen (Shelton) Shanks, Jermaine was an inquisitive child full of kindness, warmth, and laughter. Always a jokester, Jermaine kept his bright humor throughout his life, bringing joy to all those around him, especially his only sibling, his sister Nikita Shanks.

Jermaine was an avid athlete, playing t-ball and baseball at a young age and then taking up basketball as his true passion. From elementary to high school, and under the tutelage of his father, Jermaine became a star player, earning trophies and awards for his skills on the court and sportsmanship. Playing on organized teams, at the park, in video games and even with his indoor rim, Jermaine lived and breathed basketball; often involving his younger sister and cousins in games and even Tiny Toons Basketball tournaments on the Sega Genesis. He played varsity basketball at Manzano High School where he also graduated and where Jermaine met his lifelong best friend David Wells. Jermaine and David became as close as brothers, and David even named Jermaine godfather to David’s daughter Amor.

After attending Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM for a time, Jermaine returned home to Albuquerque. There he held various jobs including cook, auto service technician, cashier, stocker, and shelter monitor caring for the homeless in Albuquerque. In 2005 he was blessed with a daughter, Jaelyn Shanks. Smart, and just as funny as her father, Jaelyn was the sunshine of Jermaine’s life.

In addition to watching NBA basketball, Jermaine’s interests included video games, movies and some days would find him whipping up something delicious in the kitchen. He also enjoyed fishing, especially with his father. He loved to spend time with his family, his cousins, his nephews and niece, and his daughter.

Those who loved him knew him as a kind-hearted man, caring with a hilarious sense of humor. For every life Jermaine touched, that lucky person has a dozen or more stories and moments to cherish for all the rest of their days. He brought light to those around him and his smile and charm will live on in the memories of everyone he has left behind. A good friend, a loving big brother, hero to his young cousins, a supportive uncle, a caring son, a proud father, Jermaine was all of these things and more.

Jermaine is survived by his mother Karen Shanks, his sister Nikita and her fiancé Victor Smith, his nephews Jacari and Brooklyn Smith and niece Amaya Smith, his beautiful daughter Jaelyn, and Jaelyn's mother, Bridget, who remained a devoted co-parent and friend. He is also survived by his goddaughter

Amor. Jermaine is preceded in death by his father Jerome Shanks, his maternal grandparents Henry and Mary (Wytewa) Shelton, and his paternal grandparents Phillip and Eunice (Thomas) Shanks.

Jermaine is to be cremated and taken Home to the Hopi reservation where he will be laid to rest following the Hopi traditions.