Julia Wilda Jones

Julia Wilda Jones (Julie), of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on January 12, 2025 after fighting cancer for several months, during which time her faith and trust in Jesus Christ were extremely evident.

Julie was born on August 24, 1963 to James Warren Jones Sr. and JoAnn Whitney Jones in Las Vegas, NV. After Julie graduated 8th in her class from Manzano High School in Albuquerque in 1981, she went on to study Accounting at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, she received her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and became a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). She worked in the accounting field for over 43 years. She was employed at New Mexico State Fair/EXPO for over 10 years at the time of her passing.

Julie was predeceased by her father, who died in 2008. She is survived by her best friend and housemate Sherry Leeson, her mom JoAnn Jones, brothers Jim Jones and Jerry Jones, nephews Jimmy and Johnathan, nieces Jeanice and Julia, numerous great nephews and nieces and many dear friends. Many of those dear friends came to see Julie in the hospital the morning and afternoon before she passed. Julie was loved.

Julie worked out at the Institute of Community Wellness & Athletics (ICWA)/Big Barn Crossfit where she was a persistent encourager. She attended Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) since 2010 and served as an Administrative Leader and as a Children’s Leader where she shared her love for people and her passion for Jesus. For 25 years, Julie and her housemate Sherry hosted annual “Bring Your Own Glue Gun” parties in December for their friends, blessing them with a buffet breakfast and a basement full of craft supplies to inspire creation of beautiful Christmas decorations. Julie officiated high school volleyball for over 20 years and enjoyed watching women’s college softball, women’s college volleyball and professional football. Julie loved a good mystery and enjoyed putting together puzzles with her friends.

Julie accepted Jesus as her Savior at a very young age and knew she was saved. However, after receiving her diagnosis, she told her friends and family that she always wondered how she would react to such a diagnosis, especially after witnessing her father’s and friend’s faith-filled responses to cancer diagnoses. She said she was honored that God counted her worthy to take this journey of faith with Him, trusting Him in a way she had never experienced before. She excitedly announced her faith is real!

A memorial service, with a reception following, will be held on Thursday, January 30, at 10 a.m. at Trinity @ The Marketplace, 2520 Chama NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Compassion International (www.compassion.com), a child-focused, Christ-centered cause that Julie embraced.