JAMES D. HERRERA

JAMES D. HERRERA, 53, a resident of Española and formerly of Truchas, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2008 following a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his father, Pantaleon Herrera; sister, Linda Herrera and father-in-law, Alfonso Olivas; brother-in-law, Michael Olivas. James was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He retired from the Local Union 16 and was a mason by trade. James was known by relatives and friends alike as a hard worker who would help out any day and at any time and would literally give you the shirt off his back. James thoroughly enjoyed riding his horse to the Truchas Peaks on fishing expeditions with his brothers and friends. He was also an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching horse racing and Northern New Mexico basketball. Mr. Herrera is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Della Herrera; children, Jaydean Cisneros and husband Will, Deanna Herrera and companion Chris Serrano and Davey and Jeremy Herrera; grandson, Brandon Cisneros; mother, Sabinita Herrera and companion Emilo Orozco; brothers and sisters, Johnny Herrera and Era Sue, Tony Herrera and wife Berlinda, Edna Herrera, Ruby Herrera and Shirley Reynosa and Andres; mother-in-law, Gertrude Olivas; sisters-in-law, Stella Romero and husband Dennis, Evelyn Sanchez and husband Alfred and Carla Lujan and husband Patrick; brothers-in-law, Arthur Olivas and wife Debra, Alfonso Olivas and wife Yvette, George Olivas and wife Samantha, Victor Olivas, Jose Olivas and Meredith and numerous other nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. A rosary was recited on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home. A second rosary was recited on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Truchas. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Truchas. Pallbearers named: Jimmy Herrera, Mark Vigil, Jason Martinez, Alfred Sanchez, George Olivas and Miguel Olivas. Cremation followed services. The Herrera family has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477 or www.devargasfuneral.com