Jim Daniel Little

August 7, 1944 — April 6, 2024

Jim Daniel Little, a.k.a. Grumpy Jim, went home to be with the Lord on April 6, 2024 after a valiant battle with lung cancer. He was 79 years old.

Jim earned the name Grumpy years ago when he was into street rodding (vintage cars). We didn’t know at the time that he suffered from severe PTSD from his time in service to his country, we just thought he was grouchy. That name stuck with him as he transitioned from street rodding into riding motorcycles again. As the years went by and after being diagnosed with and treated for PTSD, he mellowed substantially, but the title of Grumpy had become known to all and was a term of endearment.

First and foremost, Jim was a patriot. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Ticonderoga, which was involved in the Gulf of Tonkin conflict in Vietnam in August of 1964. Despite all its flaws, Jim loved his country.

Even though we had been married for almost 43 years, his first love was his Harley. His biggest joy was to go for a putt, as he referred to it. Getting out on his motorcycle, sometimes being gone the entire day, was liberating for him and cleared the cobwebs. Over the years he was a member of many motorcycle groups in the area, most recently Old Coots on Scoots. Jim dearly loved all his motorcycle brothers and sisters no matter what group they rode with.

Jim read his Bible faithfully every night before lights out. In 2010 he became an ordained minister. He performed many biker weddings over the years and was thrilled to officiate his youngest son's marriage ceremony. With a strong family background in ministry, Jim was appointed as chaplain of the Coots.

Jim also loved his dogs. We’ve had many in the past 42 years and he loved every one of them. They gave him comfort. He expressed the day before he passed that he wished he could take one more ride and come home to see his dogs. I guess God needed him more than we did. Although it’s always hard to say goodbye, it’s comforting to know that he’s no longer suffering in pain and is with his Lord and Savior, whole, healthy, and walking streets of gold.

Jim was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He also earned a brown belt in Kung Fu San Soo. He trained in a dojo in Redlands, CA where he taught the kid’s class at which he excelled. He had the privilege of meeting Jimmy H. Woo, the man who brought Kung Fu to the U.S.

Jim leaves behind wife, Donna Little, three wonderful sons of whom he was so proud and loved so very much - Son, Kevin Little (wife Julie Little), son Patrick Little (wife Roberta Little), son Dustin Little, grandson Austin Little, and his dearest friend, brother and fellow Coot, Santa, and friends too numerous to list. He is preceded in death by his father, Leonard Little, mother, Francis Little, and his sister, Lyndell Brown.

There will be a celebration of life memorial service on Monday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Sagebrush Church located at 7500 Montgomery Blvd. NE. in Albuquerque. The church sits on the south side of Montgomery just west of Pennsylvania Street. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a worthy veteran organization.

We will all miss you, Jim, and look forward to seeing you again in heaven. Looking forward to your silly jokes and laughter.

Arrangements entrusted to the caring professionals at

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

"Our Family Serving Yours"

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Jim Daniel Little

August 7, 1944 — April 6, 2024

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