Obituaries for November 7, 2024

Jamie Platero

ALBUQUERQUE — Jamie Platero, 52, passed away on Oct. 28, 2024, in Albuquerque. He was born Jan. 14, 1972, in Brigham City, Utah, to Leo and Mary Platero.

Jamie grew up in Borrego Pass, New Mexico, and Montezuma Creek, Utah, where he was active in sports and served as student body president at Whitehorse High School. He joined the Army National Guard in 1990, serving until 1997, and was deployed to Germany during Operation Desert Storm.

Jamie attended the University of Utah and married Michelle Densford on March 15, 2003. They were sealed in the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in April 2005.

Jamie became a father to his stepson, Samuel, and immediately embraced the role of teaching and supporting him. They added two more children to their family, Violet and Kaileigh. He loved his children dearly and was always quick to tell people how proud he was of them, sharing pictures and stories about their latest accomplishments.

Jamie enjoyed a successful career as a journeyman electrician and health and safety manager, working for various companies, including Intel and the Veterans Administration.

Jamie was proud to have served his country and call himself a veteran. He wore the United States flag on his sleeve every chance he had, often sewing it on himself. He considered himself a man of God, loved his Lord and Savior, and relied on his faith during difficult times.

Throughout his life, Jamie was first in line to help family and friends. It is evident that we are all better people for having known him. Known for his compassion and warmth, he was a devoted family man and a proud veteran.

In addition to Jamie’s wife and children, he is survived by his parents, Mary and Leo Platero; brothers, Mario Platero (Sylvia) and Clifton Platero (Carolina); and sisters, Ann Marie Sherman (Reed) and LaNova Loraine (Christian).

Jamie is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sam and Bessie Platero, and Louise and Deswood Benally; foster grandparents, Blaine and Audrey Swensen; and multiple extended family members and dear friends.

Irene B. James

CHINLE — Graveside service for Irene B. James, 75, of Low Mountain, Arizona, will be held today, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m., at the Chinle community cemetery with Greg Scott officiating.

Irene was born Dec. 18, 1948, in Low Mountain, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away Nov. 2, 2024, in Chinle.

Irene was an avid World Wrestling Entertainment fan and enjoyed going to the movie theaters, sewing, canvas crafting, doing Word Search puzzles, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Irene is survived by her sons, Jefferson and Wilton; daughters, Bernadette, Bernetta, Brenna, and Beulah; sisters, Louise Sandoval of Torreon, New Mexico, and Louise Tsosie of Chinle; and 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Irene is preceded in death by her first husband, Kee Thomas James; second husband, Bruce C. Draper; daughter, Bernice James; son, Donovan James; and brother, John Bahe.

A reception will take place at the Memorial Baptist Church in Chinle following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Charlie Billy

GALLUP — Funeral services for Charlie Billy, 85, of Pinedale, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Palm Chapel in Gallup. Burial will follow in Pinedale.

Charlie was born May 15, 1939, in Pinedale, into the Nihoobáanii (Gray Streaked-Ends Clan), born for Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan). He passed away Nov. 2, 2024, in Pinedale.

Charlie was a Native American Church road man.

Charlie is survived by his son, Charleston Billy; daughters, Lorena Martinez and LaVena L. Billy; and 20 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Charlie is preceded in death by his wife, Irene Billy; brothers, Billy Tom and John Billy; mother, Hasbah; father, Tom Billy; and sisters, Alta Lynch and Sarah Beyale.

A reception will take place at the Pinedale Chapter House following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

George D. Reid

GANADO, Ariz. — Graveside service for George Dale Reid, 80, of Ganado, Arizona, will be held Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m.

George was born Sept. 15, 1944, in Ganado, into the Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring Clan), born for Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock/Cliff Dwellers People Clan). He passed away Nov. 3, 2024, in Ganado.

George served in the U.S. Marine Corps and attended a technical college. He enjoyed being a carpenter and sheepherder.

George is survived by his grandfather, John Reid.

George is preceded in death by his parents, Bessie and Bahe Reid; brother, David Reid; and sisters, Alta R. Leman, Alice R. Morgan and Rose R. Joe.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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