Michael "Mike" Ray James

Obituary Michael Mike Ray James, 67, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, in Albuquerque, NM. Mike was born in Grand Junction, CO on April 7, 1953, to Lois and Joe James. He was one of four children. The Jameses were a mining family, and moved around a lot during Mike's childhood. While in school, Mike loved auto mechanics class, he enjoyed working on cars, and learned to drive at just 8 years old. He loved driving with his dad, Joe. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and graduated in 1971, in Florence, CO. Mike met the love of his life, Kay James, in 1979. He had pulled over to help her with a spare tire, and as they say...the rest is history. Mike was hired on at CA Track, thanks to his close friend, Mike Harrison. He worked here for many years alongside Kay as well, and in 1990 he was hired by WIPP in Carlsbad, NM as a hoistman. He loved his position, and enjoyed his time at WIPP, retiring in 2019. He also spent his spare time working for Texas Coaches and All Aboard America from 1997 to 2016, with his friends Paula and Maria. Mike enjoyed going to car shows with Kay, trying new restaurants and taking long scenic drives. He absolutely loved the Cowboy Symposium and listening to Willies Road House on the radio. Mike was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he loved spending time with them. His beautiful life will forever be cherished by his wife, Kay James, and in the lives of his children: Mike was preceded in death by his father, Joe James; mother, Lois James; daughter, Carlee Satterfield; longtime friend, Tommy Warren. Mike is survived by his wife, Kay James of Carlsbad, NM; son, Terry Satterfield of Penrose, CO; daughter, Misty Satterfield of Albuquerque, NM; daughter, Erica Satterfield and husband, Paul of Carlsbad, NM; daughter, Christina Benavidez and husband, Davy of Colorado Springs, CO; fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Butch Don James and wife, Shirley of Spring Branch, TX; brother, Joe James of Tucson, AZ; sister, Sandra Schneider and husband David of Guthrie, OK; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place, and there are no services scheduled at this time. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael "Mike" Ray James, please visit our floral store.