James William Potter

James "Jerry" Potter, 76, resident of Bloomfield, NM passed away on February 21, 2015 in his home with his family. Jerry was born in Ft Sumner, NM August 4, 1938 to Lee Roy and Irene Snead Potter. Graduated from Ft Sumner High School in 1957; played college football for one year at WNMU; Transferred to ENMU where he graduated in 1962 with a BA in Industrial Arts Education; completed his Master in Education with a certification in Administration in 1971. Married Kathleen Swope, June 1, 1967. Worked for 30 years for Cimarron Schools as Industrial Arts Teacher, Drivers Ed Teacher, High School Principal, Athletic Director, Maintenance Director, and Elementary School Principal; also drove buses for Swope Transportation. Past Master of Cimarron Lodge #37 and a member of San Juan Lodge #25. Past Worthy Patron of Cimarron Canyon Eastern Star #64. Taught Hunters Safety and is a life member of the NRA. Chief of Cimarron Fire Department and life member of the NM Firefighters Association. Served as an officer of the Cimarron Maverick club. Cub Master of Pack #68. After retirement he worked for Pacific Studs as a purchasing/sales agent. After moving to Bloomfield in 1998 he worked as a licensed contractor. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, camping, building furniture, and spending time with the family. Active member of the Cimarron and Bloomfield United Methodist Church, and Four Corners Emmaus Community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jack, and sister Jetty Joe Paul and husband Henry. He is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Gretchen, son Robert (Daelena), grandsons Cayden, Rylen, and Tyen, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Jerry's life will be Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 10am at the Bloomfield UMC. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bloomfield UMC Parsonage Fund, 1105 N First Street, Bloomfield, NM 87413.