Jim "Tot" Etcheverry

Jim "Tot" Etcheverry, 88, of Acoma Road, Carlsbad, NM passed away, Sunday, October 5, 2014 at his home. There will be no visitation, cremation will take place. A Vigil will be held at 6:00 PM, Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 9, 2014 at St. Edward Catholic Church of Father Pasala Hruday Kumar officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Tot was born November 30, 1925 in Carlsbad, NM to Jean Batiste "Jim" and Floretina (Arreguy) Etcheverry. He then married the love of his life, Oleeta Cummings. Tot grew up helping his father on their ranch in Dog Canyon. He joined the military and was a Naval Gunner for the Navy. He was a Scout and Raider in today's time that would be classified as a Navy Seal. Tot served from February 21, 1943 to February 21, 1946. He was an electrician, miner, deputy sheriff and a cowboy. He was a member of the Eddy County Sheriff's Posse, B.P.O. Elks # 1558 and numerous other organizations. Tot loved trail riding in the mountains spending time with family and friends. His passion was breaking horses and mules. Tot was a member of the PRCA and was an outstanding roper and steer wrestler. Tot loved watching his son and grandsons rope more than life itself. He loved having his family together during the holidays. His grandchildren were what he was proudest of. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Oleeta. He is survived by sons: Etienne and wife, Kathy of Truth or Consequences, NM, John and wife, Brenda of Carlsbad, NM, Adrinne Laney Verkler of Artesia, NM, Jim Eubank of Las Vegas, NV. He was a loving grandfather to grandchildren: John Pete Etcheverry and wife, Dayna of Mesquite, NM, Tommy Etcheverry and Melanie of Carlsbad, NM, Tai Etcheverry of Carlsbad, NM, Ben Etcheverry and wife of Deming, NM, Melissa Griggs Webb and husband, Robert of Austin, TX; great-grandchildren: Laney Webb, Spencer Laney and wife, Tiffany, Sid Laney, Reagen and Reiley Sokolosky, Baylee and Celee, great-great-grandchildren Aden and Noland Laney; sisters: Mary Bauder and husband, Marvin of Albuquerque, NM and Cecilia (Baby) Wigley of Austin, TX. Memorial contributions may be made to Paradise Ranch, Children Fund, P.O. Box 1986, Carlsbad, NM 88221-1986. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.