David Ray Jiron

David R. Jiron passed away March 17, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 68. Mr. Jiron was born on June 22, 1947 to David Jiron and Annie Carrejo Jiron in Magdalena, New Mexico.
Mr. Jiron served in the U.S. Air National Guard from 1970-1974. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from New Mexico Highlands University. He taught in West Las Vegas Schools, in Las Vegas, NM for seventeen years before moving to Grants in 1986. He served as principal of Los Alamitos Middle School, Bluewater Elementary, San Rafael Elementary, and Cibola County Schools Central office as Director of IT, and Federal Projects Director. He served as the Village of Milan Manager for three and half years. He returned to education in 2003, serving as Principal of St. Joseph Mission School and Laguna Schools, where he retired on June 10, 2011. He loved education and was proud of those children he was able to make a difference for. He was a devoted Catholic with a deep faith. He was a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, he served on the RCIA team. He served as Rector for a recent Cursillo for the Diocese of Gallup, He loved the Cursillo movement, and was actively involved. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. He will best be remembered for his sense of humor, his love of his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His love of dancing with his wife Ruby. His battle against cancer was an inspiration, He was loved and will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife Ruby Chacon Jiron. His daughter; Francine Correa and her husband Mike. His son; Joaquin Jiron and his wife Nadine. His ten grandchildren; Justine Poncho, Terrance Correa, Damian Jacoby, Mercedes Jacoby, Justin Jiron, Brandon Jiron, Aaden Jiron, Amber Dominguez, Andres Torrez, and Gabriella Torrez. His two great-grandchildren; Amias Poncho, and Elaina Poncho. His siblings; Annabelle Baldonado, Bobby Jiron and his wife Ruby, Tino Jiron and his wife Maria, Lawrence Jiron and his wife Geraldine. His in-laws; Loretta Chacon and her mate David Flores, Stella Chacon, Jimmy Chacon and his wife Cathy. Along with numerous other relatives and friends survive him.
He is proceeded in death by two sons; Mario Jacoby and Phillip Jiron. His parents; David and Annie Jiron. His brother; Crespin Jiron. And his in-laws; Max and Catarina Chacon. Along with many loving uncles and aunts.
A Memorial Rosary will be held at St. Teresa Catholic Church on Wednesday March 23, 2016 at 9:30 AM followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00 AM that will celebrated by Father Bob Mathieu. Inurnment will follow at Grants Memorial Park. A reception will then be held at The Knights of Columbus Hall.
Pallbearers include; Justin Jiron, Damian Jacoby, Andres Torrez, Terrance Correa, Tino Jiron, David Flores, Mike Maes, Joe Dominguez.
Honorary Pallbearers; Johnny Rodriguez, Bobby Jiron, Lawrence Jiron, Mike Ogas, Jimmy Chacon, Adrian Chacon, Manuel Montano, Joe Mike Medina, and Martin Armijo.
Mr. Jiron requested memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph Mission School.
Cope Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.