James A. Savage

James Adrian Savage was a man of many interests who didn’t get to finish all that he had planned. At age 55, he fought the battle of his life, pancreatic cancer, a battle he lost on May 14, 2017. James left to the arms of Jesus, surrounded by his family and friend’s support and prayers. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 20, 2017, 11:00 AM, at Grace Community Church. A tribute of James’ life may be found at www.andersonbethany.com where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family. On June 7, 1961, James was born to Kenneth R. Savage and Hazel I. (Miller) Savage in Casa Blanca, Morocco, North Africa. At the age of eighteen months, James and his family flew back to the United States to continue their life with the United States Air Force. James attended New Mexico School for the Deaf in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He excelled as an athlete in football, basketball, track and also competed for the Olympic Tryouts in 1981. Upon returning to Roswell, James was employed by TMC (Transportation Manufacturing Company) for eleven years before he learned his lifetime trade of being a truck driver. James learned from his expert uncle, Leon Miller, who trained him on the job while working for Hamilton Road Construction many years. With the skills James learned there, he could back a trailer on the blind side with only inches on both sides. This skill came in handy, as he drove all forty-eight continental states and Canada. What an adventure it was to go with James on these trips! He also took a few years off to get a degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from ENMU-R in 2006. Although James didn’t actively pursue it as a career, he loved talking about his passion for airplanes and helicopters. James could identify what kind of airplane was flying over, even when he was sitting in his living room! He had many passions, including hunting and camping with his wife and friends. James loved to talk “guns” with his special friends and go target shooting. He loved his family and animals. James favorite past time was to watch television, shopping and looking on the internet. He was a member of the Roswell Elks #969 and the Bullshippers. James drove for the best trucking company to work for, Fortune Transportation, who treat you like family. James would like to thank Monte Scrivens, Katie Deitrick, and so many more including Don, Perry and Ben for their love and prayers as he was traveling this battle. All the employees of Fortune make it a joy to work there. Those left to cherish James’ memory are his wife, Megan Savage of the home; mother, Hazel Savage of Roswell, NM; very special loving aunt, Darlene Wyche of Roswell, NM; brothers: Kenneth R. Savage, Jr. and Afafe of Benton, AR, Steven Savage and significant life partner, Mary Miller of Roswell, NM, Dennis Savage and wife, Jan of Artesia, NM, David Savage and wife, Pam of Durant, OK; uncles: Sam Miller of Alamogordo, NM, James Miller and wife, Elonia of Arlington, TX, Robert Miller and wife, Kathy of Phoenix, AZ; nieces: Heather Smiley, Christy Savage; nephews: Patrick Savage, Darrel Savage; cousins: Raymond Hastings and wife, Robin, Heather Gilliand and husband, Joe, Michael Hastings and wife, Jessica, Arielle Hastings, Aaron Miller and wife, Kari all of Phoenix, AZ, Larry Hastings and wife, Sharon of Farmington, NM, Natasha of Farmington NM, Amanda of Farmington, NM, Larrise of Alamogordo, NM, Doug, Richard Peters; sister-in-law, Judy Cope and husband, Butch; Brother-in-law, Deke LaMay and wife, Leecha LaMay; nephew, Jake LaMay; Last but not least by any means, his four legged children who were his truck traveling companion, Buttons, Rascal, Mosley A. Mess and Ollie. The family would like to thank all of the people who have sent prayers, texts, phone calls, money and their love these last fifteen months. Also to the students, staff, families and community of Dexter, NM, for the support, prayers, and love shown to both James and Megan through the last 15 months. It would not have been possible to fight this battle. Elks Lodge # 969 have also tremendously been a great support as well. Finally, instrumental in his healthcare have been Dr. Virgle Herrin, who has been his doctor for more than 15 years, Kindred Hospice and Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Goodyear, AZ. Dr. Toufic Kachammy did an amazing job with this relentless disease. James wanted everyone to know that he will see them down the road…..maybe in a big purple truck. This tribute was written in honor of James by his family.

James A. Savage

June 7, 1961 - May 14, 2017