James M. Goodner

James M. Goodner, age 95, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2020. He was born on March 18, 1925 in Oklahoma to Otis and Effie Mae Goodner and was the older of their two sons.

As a young boy, his family moved to New Mexico, and that became his home. He always considered himself a New Mexican.

James served in the Army during the reconstruction of Germany after WWII. He came home to New Mexico to marry the love of his life, Helen (Gardner), and they were married for 59 years. Three daughters joined the family, Leah, Teresa, and Stephani. The Goodner family served as Home Missionaries for the Southern Baptist Convention. James had talents that served this position well. He was a curious person that loved to troubleshoot in divergent ways to accomplish his ministry. He was kind, faithful, and resolved to complete the task set before him. He and his family served in California, Kansas, Massachusetts, and then finally back to his beloved New Mexico. He made friends with people from all around the world and found great joy in their diversity. Jim realized the inevitability of death and looked forward to meeting the God who he loved.

He is survived by his brother, Jack Goodner; daughters, Leah (Dan) Parker, Terri Lithe, and Stephani (Jim) Treadwell; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. The family would especially like to thank the staff at Manzano del Sol for their loving care of our father.