James Buchanan Conner 1937-2025 James Buchanan Conner passed

James Buchanan Conner 1937-2025 James Buchanan Conner passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025. Though his last few years were a struggle, he spent them at home surrounded by family and aided by wonderful caregivers. He was born Feb. 5, 1937, to James F. and Carrie Conner. He was a member of Boy's State, DeMolay International and played sports at Gallup High. He was a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of Shriners International. James got a job on the railroad during his senior year of high school. He left school late in his senior year and joined the U.S. Army, where he got his GED, and could protect his railroad seniority. After basic training, he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Matte, in December 1956. He and Bev were stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., where James was a member of the 82nd Airborne. Their first son, Jimmy, was born at Fort Bragg. After his stint in the Army, Jim brought his young family back to Gallup. He resumed his job with the Santa Fe/ BNSF railroads for the next 30 years. James and Beverly had two more children, Kim and Johnny. While in Gallup, he owned and operated Triple J Driveways, a small concrete and asphalt business. After 50 years in Gallup, his job relocated the family to Los Lunas, where he retired after 44 years with the railroad. James was preceded in death by his parents, James F. and Carrie Conner; wife, Beverly; sons, Jimmy and Johnny; sisters, Helen Tolson and Hazel Hamilton. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Scott Lewis; daughter-in-law, Laurie Conner; grandchildren, Crystal (Jesse Sanchez) and Casey Conner, Katelyn (Mariano Sanchez) and Jordan Lewis; and great-grandchildren Brooke, Scotti, Jonny, Mariano, Mason, Lillie and Katie. A graveside service for JB will take place at 1 p.m., Thursday, May 15, at the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Gallup. Honorary pallbearers are Tom Conner, Casey Conner, Michael Conner, Joe DiGregorio, James Tolson, Johnny Hamilton, Steven Gurley and Jeff Chiapetti. The family would like to thank everyone for all the thoughts and prayers. We especially want to thank Tina and Wendy for the exceptional care they gave dad. We would also like to thank the caring professionals at Noblin Funeral Service and Raleigh Mortuary. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.