Jimmy R. Gomez

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, COL Jimmy R. Gomez. He departed this life and entered eternal life with our Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 24, 2022.

COL Gomez was born in Las Cruces, NM on August 9, 1949, to Juan Jr. and Celia Martinez. He graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1967. He earned an Associate’s Degree from the University of Vincennes, an Associate’s Degree, and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Park College.

He enlisted in the army in November of 1967, where he served up to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and in 1972 graduated from Officer Candidate School. He received his commission to Second Lieutenant and graduated from the Air Defense Officer Basic and Advanced courses. He graduated from various Military courses, including the Defense Equal Opportunity Course and the United States Command and General Staff Course, and continued his career serving in multiple positions and locations. After 36 years of service, he retired as a Colonel in 2003.

Those left to mourn his passing include his wife of 52 years, Jean Frietze Gomez; their daughter, Jenice Waters (Malik); and his son, SGT MAJ Jimmy F. Gomez (Illa). He is also survived by eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, his father, Juan Gomez, and his mother, Celia Martinez. He has five surviving siblings, Barbara Gomez, Santos (John) Gomez (Priscilla), Lupita Podruchny (Darrin), Randy (Moose) Gomez, and Carolyn Lubbers (David).

Those who have preceded him in death are his grandparents, Santos and Carolina Ramirez, and his brother, Dario Gomez.

A Memorial Service honoring his life will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH- Westside.

Military honors and interment will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022, at 11:30 a.m., at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.