James LuVerne Skogen

"As long as we remember a person, they're not really gone. Their thoughts, their feelings, their memories, they become a part of us." - Justin Cronin, The Twelve.

James LuVerne Skogen, 81, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2021, at home surrounded by family. James was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Born in Sisseton, SD, to his parents Juanita Marion Skogen and Harry Arthur, he attended school in Sisseton and graduated from Sisseton High School. Following a year of college at Gustavus Adolphus College, he relocated to Albuquerque and worked in construction and then worked at ACF industries. He met and married Rita Anna Caruso in 1963 in Rumford, Maine. He enlisted in the United States Army in the same year and served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade as a paratrooper stationed in Okinawa, Japan. When he returned to the United States, he finished college at the University of New Mexico, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Education. James worked as a Parts Manager for Stewart and Stevenson for over 25 years and then was employed as a teacher for Albuquerque Public Schools prior to retirement. Having spent his childhood on a farm, he enjoyed working in his garden and woodworking. He was active in the lives of his children helping to coach soccer, assist with scouting, and many other after school activities. James also served as a Eucharistic minister and a communicant of Risen Savior Catholic Church. Throughout his life, James mastered the ability to fix anything, and he did so in the way he lived his life-quietly, patiently, and gently.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Rita Anna; sons James Skogen (Veronica), and Jon Skogen; daughters Lisa Hartman (Eric), and Amalia Lucero (Michael); grandchildren Sophia Hartman, Harrison Hartman, Isabella Lucero, Dante Lucero, Michael Lucero; and sister Susan York. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter Galilea Anastasia Skogen; brother Fredrick Ray Skogen; and sister Nancy Fay Lueck.

The Skogen family will host a visitation at 5:00p.m. on August 28, 2021, at FRENCH-Wyoming, followed by a rosary at 5:30 p.m. Mass will be held at 10:00a.m. on August 30, 2021, at Risen Savior Catholic Church, with a reception to follow. The burial will take place at 2:15p.m. on August 31, 2021, at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Please mail condolences to the funeral home.