It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, dad, gramps, uncle and dear friend, PASTOR JAMES M. PINCKARD, age 66, of Las Cruces on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones. Born June 29, 1953 in El Dorado, AR to James and Artie Hanry Pinckard. He grew up in Santa Rosa, NM. After High School, he moved to Tulsa, OK to attend Trinity Bible School. In 1971, he met his loving wife, Viona, and was married in January 1972. He was employed by Texaco Oil Company for 13 years, while doing part-time youth ministry and receiving his Credentials with the Assemblies of God. God began to open doors for full-time ministry in 1985, where he returned to Santa Rosa, NM as full-time pastor. Pastor Pinckard was Ordained as a Minister of the Assemblies of God in 1989. He served fifteen years on the Southwest Presbytery Committee and was very much involved in the New Mexico Ministry Network. In the following years, he pastored at First Assembly of God, in Mountainair, NM, Hobbs, NM and Duncan, OK and enjoyed the last fifteen years pastoring Life Community Church in Las Cruces. He loved giving Bibles away and was always there with an encouraging word. He was an early riser and used his quiet time to drink coffee, pray and read his Bible. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, shopping and eating chips and salsa. He loved the country life on his pecan farm with his wife and family.

Those left to mourn his passing include his loving wife of forty-seven years, Viona Owens Pinckard of the family home; five daughters, Jana Inkpen of Mesilla Park, Julie Floyd (Gary) of Yuma, AZ, Jill Kayser (Aaron) of Chandler, AZ, Jamie Deale (Leonard) of Mesilla Park and Joni Saiz (Jonathan) of Albuquerque. Other survivors include sixteen grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a host of friends and his dogs (Jack and Jinger). James was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Beth Hensley and Sue Crawley.

The Funeral Service will begin at 11 AM Monday, October 28, 2019 at Las Cruces First Assembly of God, 5605 Bataan Memorial West with Pastor Micheal Dickenson Officiating. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Serving as casket bearers will be Adrian Apodaca, Manuel Contreras, David Fetherlin, Scott May, Oscar Medina and Henry Telles.

Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com