Nicolas James

Nicolas (Nick) Salvador James, born December 15, 1933, in El Prado, New Mexico, departed his earthly home on September 19, 2024, at the age of 90, nine days from the passing of his wife, Tita.

Nick graduated from Taos High School in 1954. Following graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United Sates Air Force. He served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict Era and Vietnam War. Nick served as Aircraft Mechanic on B-47's and C-130’s, and later cross trained as an Aircraft Flight Engineer. 

During his 20 years in the military, his life was spared twice. He was an aircraft mechanic that accompanied the flight crew. On two separate occasions, he was bumped off flights. Each of those two times, the aircraft he was to be on crashed with no survivors. Nick served two tours in Vietnam, flying mostly combat missions. There was a reason his life was spared; so, he could serve the people of Taos.

In January 1974, Nick retired from the U.S. Air Force while stationed at Little Rock Arkansas Air Force Base. While living in Jacksonville (suburb of Little Rock) after his military retirement, Nick perfected his carpentry skills which would serve him well when he and Tita moved back to Taos early 1991. Shortly after their return to Taos, he began building their house where Tita and Nick lived respectively until their deaths.

Nick's passion was helping others. Many Taos residents were the recipients of the handiwork of his hands. Nick was a skilled carpenter and roofer and was often in his workshop working on a wood project. 

Nick was a faithful convert of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He and his sweetheart, Tita were sealed for time and eternity in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Temple, July 23, 2013. He served in leadership positions in the Taos Ward of his church. He was the caregiver for many years for his beloved Tita prior to her passing.

He is preceded in death by his parents Stefano (Steve) and Rosalia (Lillian) James and his siblings John James, Elizabeth Arlotti, Bernice Van Booven, three grandsons and one great grandson. 

He is survived by his son Kerry James and wife Rochelle, their 5 children and 13 great grandchildren, stepson Steve Rivera, wife Vangie, their 4 children and 10 great grandchildren, stepson Ray Rivera and his 4 children and 6 great grandchildren and nephew George James, wife Merly, their 2 sons and niece Pam James.

Services will be held on October 3, 2024 at 10AM at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.