James Wayne Tarpley

James Wayne Tarpley, 85, known as Wayne, was born in Flag, Texas on May 23, 1927. He passed away early Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at the Bloomfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bloomfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph William and Blanche (Lightfoot) and his sister, Mary Joe Bradford and his brother, John Tarpley. His father, Joseph, was a sooner and he participated in writing the Oklahoma constitution and then hand wrote the original.
Wayne moved with his family to Quemado, as a young boy where his folks homesteaded. They moved to Farmington around 1939. In 1944, during World War II he joined the American Merchant Marines for approximately 9 years. He recounted seeing other Merchant Marine ships being sunk by submarines and three Liberty ships that he served on nearly sinking before reaching port. As a sailor, Mr. Tarpley traveled the world. In 1953, he left the Merchant Marines and moved to San Juan County where he resided for the rest of his life. Wayne took care of his aging parents until they passed away. Wayne never married but left a loving heritage as a son, uncle, friend, and philanthropist.
Wayne is survived by his nephew Doyle Wayne Bradford of Aztec and two nieces, Carol and Renee, and two nephews, Bill Wayne and Tim, all residing in Kansas City, Mo. He also leaves many great-nieces and nephews. Wayne leaves his loving dog, Telley Tarpley. He also leaves many friends and grateful students, who have received his scholarships through many years, at San Juan College.
John and Mary Joe tell the story of getting a spanking for putting their 18 month old sibling, Wayne, in the giant mailbox to give him to the mailman. His father, Joe, had just painted the mailbox green. Wayne said he liked the mailman and was agreeable to the plan; he kept and treasured the mailbox to this day.
Mr. Tarpley was all about giving to others and has spent decades helping San Juan College students financially. His mother was the first woman in Texas to receive a Masters Degree in Education from Baylor University and educational opportunities were a high priority to her and her son, Wayne.
Per Mr. Tarpley's wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no service. Donations may be made in his name to the San Juan College Foundation.
Wayne's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688.