James Gregory Ortega

James Gregory Ortega

Oct. 1st, 1964 ~ March 8th, 2025

James Gregory Ortega, age 60 of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away suddenly of natural causes on Saturday March 8th, 2025. James was born to Cipriano “Cippy” Joe Ortega & Maria Angelina “Angie” (Duran) Ortega on October 1st, 1964 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. James is survived by his wife Patricia Ann Evans of Thirty-two years. They raised one son William Aaron Ortega of Santa Fe, NM & two sDaughters Antoinette Crystal (Roessler) Orta, & Whitney Danae Roessler both from Santa Fe, NM.

He lived in Santa Fe & Los Alamos, New Mexico. He moved to San Clemente, Ca, where he enjoyed skateboarding, bodysurfing, cycling & fishing. He loved the beach & the ocean. James moved back to Santa Fe & Graduated from Santa Fe High School. James joined the Army & earned metals as Expert with M-16, Hand Grenade.

He was trained as a Graphic Specialist. He served abroad in Germany. James was Honorably discharged & moved back to Santa Fe. He worked as a Driver Manager for Martinizing. He also worked several night jobs so he could be available to take the kids to school & raise his son. His days were consumed with basketball, wrestling, football, cheerleading, baseball, tennis, gymnastics, volleyball, ballet, track, as well as numerous school events for his children & grandchildren, he also coached Little League “Native Son” Team. James had a special love for all six grandchildren. He never minded sharing his birthday with Aliya’s pink ballet & tea parties. James was always about his family, his wife & anyone in the neighborhood who needed help. James & his son William enjoyed making jewelry, gold panning & mining precious stones.

They had their own business on Cerrillos Rd ”JW Gold buyers”. After closing he spent many weekend's sale hunting, metal detecting & commissioning many pieces of fine jewelry & goods. 

James is preceded in death by his parents Cippy & Angie Ortega. His brother David Ortega & godson James Ibarra. He is survived by his beloved wife Patricia Ann Evans, by his children. His son William Aaron Ortega of Santa Fe. His sDaughter Antoinette Crystal (Roessler) Orta & husband Raymond Orta, with Damian, Reina & Aliya Orta. His sDaughter Whitney Danae Roessler (Vigil)(Encinias) Michael Encinias with Nevaeh Marie & Antonio “AJ” Vigil & Michael “Mikey” James Encinias.

He is survived by siblings Elizabeth “Liz” (Joseph), Carolyn “Carol”, Ernesto “Ernie” & Donna of California. He loved his nephew's & nieces from Santa Fe, Iowa, Nevada, Florida, California, & Arizona. His beloved sister-in-law Eileen Uveric of Santa Fe along with family in Seattle. 

A special gratitude to his cousins John & Roessler Family. Larry & Gary of California who shared a love for the beach. Lance, Rick & Linda his friends of many adventures. Loretta & Mike the Gonzales-Romero Family. Thank you to St. Vincents Hospital doctors, Santa Fe Paramedics who served at the highest level of professionalism & to the Chaplin. Thank you to Rivera Family Funeral service for your continued support. He was loved & he loved everyone. We will miss you “Bompa” 💜