James Deanda Morton

James Deanda Morton, 79, of Wood Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Thursday, June 28, 2012 at his home. Visitation will be 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Sunday, July 1, 2012 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Vigil is scheduled for Sunday, July 1, 2012, 7:00 PM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, July 2, 2012, 2:00 PM, at San Jose Catholic Church with Father Valentine Jankowski, OFM, Conv. officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Gardens Memorial Gardens Park, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. James Deanda Morton was born on July 31, 1932 in Marfa, Texas to Dewey and Catalina (Deanda) Morton. He married Georgia Pelaiz on June 20, 1953 here in Carlsbad. Jimmy served his country in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged after 6 years of service. He worked over 50 years as a cement mason in Carlsbad and the surrounding areas. Jimmy worked many of those years with Constructor's Inc. In later years, he and Georgia enjoyed and took great pride in serving as the caretakers of IMC-Willow Lake. Jimmy loved tinkering in his "back acre" and spending time with his family and friends. He never met a stranger and was always lending a helping hand. "Thanks Dad, for your unconditional love, support and care for Mom." He was preceded in death by his father; mother; step-father, Teofilo Gonzalez and a nephew, Luis Castillo. He is survived by his wife, Georgia P. Morton of Carlsbad, NM; four children: Robert Morton and wife, Rose of Carlsbad, NM, Teresa Navarrette and husband, Frank of Carlsbad, NM, Gina Andrews and husband, Craig of Carlsbad, NM, James Morton and wife Juanita of Maricopa, Arizona; 16 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Ted Gonzalez and wife, Tina; two sisters: Blanche Martinez, Rosa Armendariz and husband, Carmen and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Michael Cobb, Zachery Andrews, Robert Morton, Jr., Steven Morton, Andrew Morton and Marcus Morton. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Morton, James Morton Jr., Frank Navarrette, Craig Andrews and Roman Andrews. Memorial contributions may be made to Carlsbad Literacy Program, 511 North 12th Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220 or Noah's Ark, 5217 Buena Vista, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.