James Ray Quillen

James R Quillen, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and friend passed away on Tuesday, February 15th after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. James was born on July 21, 1926, in Wellington, KS., son of Chester and Villa Quillen. He graduated from Wellington High School in 1944 and immediately joined the navy at the age of 17. He returned from the war and met his future wife, Ida Marie Comeau in Hays, KS. They were married on November 25, 1947. Ida preceded him in death on May 14, 2004. James owned and operated Thunderbird Steel Corp in Albuquerque, NM. from December 1962 – 1993.

Survived by his daughters Jan Brennan, Jayme Bundrant and Robert Bency, Jackie and husband Ed Neidel, son James Quillen II and wife Diane; 13 Grandchildren, Timothy Brennan, Erin and husband Chris Stewart, Kevin, and wife Leela Brennan, Kerry Brennan, Lindsey Bundrant, Abby and husband Will Makarski, Jennifer and husband Thomas Aitchison, Jeff and wife Kim Neidel, Joel and wife Katie Neidel, John, and wife Tyler Neidel; Tarin and husband Adrian Gonzales, Matthew and wife Jamie Quillen, Amanda, and husband Bobby Weinberg;

23 Great-Grandchildren: Kaleigh Stewart, Alec and Wesley Brennan, Annabelle and Ava Makarski, Austin and Walker Aitchison, Tyler and Maci Neidel, Caleb, Joshua, Noah, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Mary Katherine Neidel, Everly and Emmy Neidel, Emery and Quinn Gonzales, Maddox and Liam Quillen, Penelope, and Violet Weinberg.

A visitation will begin at 5:00 pm with Rosary to be recited at 6:00 pm on Thursday, February 17th at FRENCH-Wyoming. Service will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 19th at Gate of Heaven Chapel, 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE. Memorials can be made in James’ name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6731 Academy Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.