James "Jim" Austin

James "Jim" Austin, 65, of Carlsbad, NM, passed away Monday, June 24, 2013 at Covenant Specialty Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. There will be no visitaiton, cremation has taken place. A Memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, June 30, 2013, 3:00 PM, at First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Brad Coates officiating. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. James "Jim" Austin was born January 21, 1948 in Albuquerque, NM to Clarence and Irene (Hayes) Austin. He was a lifelong resident of Carlsbad. Jim worked for the family business, Hayes Dairy. He later worked and retired from the potash mine after 37 years. Jim served in the Army for four years. He was a member of American Legion and American Legion Riders. Jim loved riding Harley bikes and building mechanical things. Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are daughters: Michele Rutley and husband, Jim of Carlsbad, NM, Wendy Whitlock and husband, Duncan of Carlsbad, NM; sons: Chris Austin and wife, Anna of Carlsbad, NM, Dustin Austin of Carlsbad, NM; grandchildren: Gavin and Hunter Garcia, Austin Peralta, D. J. and Cora Irene Whitlock, Toby, Cole, Memorie, Zaida, Jadah Austin and Brandon Harsch, Sunshine Austin; one great-grandson, Jaylan Whitlock; mother of his children and best friend, Lillie Nichols of Carlsbad, NM; brother, Archie Austin of Texas; best friend, John Wixom and wife, Kelly of Carlsbad, NM. Honorary pallbearers will be American Legion Riders. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.