James Edgar Templeton

Our beloved father, James Templeton, went to rejoin his wife, Maxine in heaven Sunday, August 5, 2018 after a tough fight with cancer.  He was an extraordinary and gifted man with a heart of gold.

He leaves behind son, Carson and LuLu; daughter, Valerie and Melinda; grandchildren, Sara and Miguel Tafoya, Selene Padilla; great grandchildren, Darren and Elysia, Andres, Pedro and Cathy Gajerda.

He was born in a house on Columbia street in Albuquerque in 1932 and preferred being called Jim. At a young age he was driven and focused to succeed.  By the age of 14 he had two jobs and purchased his first piece of property.  Jim was a natural builder and became a superintendent with Lembke Construction Company.  Some big projects he managed were Pope Joy Hall at UNM, Johnson Gym, The Civic Auditorium and Hilton Hotel in Santa Fe.  He then opened his own company and did selective projects.  After succeeding in business he decided to dedicate the rest of his life helping others.  His 1,500 square foot shop became the hub for making thousands of wood toys for deprived children and families. With his team of like-minded men and women of the Woodworkers Association they would build thousands of toys every year never asking for notoriety. Jim elevated people around him and success would always be the outcome.  You could see Jim taking his wife, Maxine, up and down the river trails in her wheelchair and even to every Lobo basketball game for 20 years.  His last of seven homes he built was handicap prepared for his wife.  Jim Templeton lived his life with dignity and integrity.  A humble and unassuming man he looked for and found the good in all people.  This resulted in so many friends that now feel emptiness about them.  Jim also died with dignity, never once did anyone hear him say, “Why me?” but more would say, “Why not me?  you play the cards you are dealt.”  The family thanks all of the people that supported and prayed for them during process.  Special thanks to Tom and Jan Franks and Sarah and Adrienne for supporting the family so much.  Mostly we thank Dad for unwavering love and support in our lives.  A truly irreplaceable man and we pray God is pleased with his life.

Services will be held Saturday, August 18, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Lomas.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Women’s Housing Coalition, 3005 San Pedro Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 and the Animal Humane Association 615 Virginia St SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.