JIM RAMOS, beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, godfather, friend, devoted daddy to his beloved dogs, and respected member of the aerospace community, passed away peacefully at home on August 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with pleural mesothelioma, with Lily, the love of his life and devoted wife of nearly 31 years, in his arms. He was 61 years old.

Born November 2, 1964, Jim lived a life defined by hard work, loyalty, humor, perseverance, and an unwavering devotion to the people and things he loved. He graduated from Artesia High School in 1982, where he formed friendships that remained an important part of his life for decades.

At the center of Jim's life was Lily—his wife, partner, best friend, and the love of his life. Together they shared nearly 31 years of marriage and built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, adventures, traditions, challenges, and countless memories. Through every season, their love remained steadfast.

Jim built a distinguished career as a highly skilled electrical and electronic technician, spending nearly two decades supporting NASA missions at the White Sands Test Facility. His expertise contributed to some of America's most significant space programs, including the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, Orion, and Artemis programs.

Jim was especially passionate about his work on the Space Shuttle Program, performing critical electrical work, troubleshooting, testing, and carefully checking refurbished shuttle components and flight hardware. No job was too big or too challenging. Whether the task was large or small, Jim approached it with exceptional precision, care, and attention to detail.

He understood the tremendous responsibility of his work and often reminded his coworkers that the astronauts' lives depended on them doing their jobs right, there was no room for error. That belief reflected the integrity and pride Jim brought to his profession every day.

Jim later carried that same passion into his work supporting NASA's Orion and Artemis programs, including the buildup and testing of engines for Artemis II, III, and IV. His dedication to quality, flight safety, and mission success earned him numerous NASA awards and recognition, which he proudly displayed in his home.

Jim also briefly brought his expertise to Blue Origin's launch facility in Van Horn, Texas, contributing to electrical systems and test-stand setup.

For Jim, aerospace was never simply a job. It was a passion. He took tremendous pride in knowing that the work of his hands and the skills he had spent a lifetime developing contributed to something much greater than himself. His work on the Space Shuttle, Orion, Artemis, and America's space program will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

Away from work, Jim treasured the simple joys of life. He especially loved camping with Lily and their dogs, creating memories together as a family.

Luna, Pepper, and Bella were his girls, and Jim proudly loved being their daddy. They were never simply pets; they were family and an important part of the beautiful life Jim and Lily shared.

Jim also cherished being a godfather and held his beloved godchildren, Edward Manuel Tafoya, Josiah Alden Velarde, and Sarah Lily Marie Madrid, very close to his heart.

Jim faced mesothelioma with tremendous courage, determination, and strength and remained a fighter until the very end. Even as his illness progressed, he continued thinking about Lily and dreaming of things he wanted for her future. One of Jim's wishes was for Lily to always have beautiful flowers of her own to plant, grow, and enjoy—a lasting reminder of his love and of the beauty he wanted to leave surrounding her. That dream will forever represent a man who continued to hope, plan, love, and give until the very end.

Cancer will never define Jim's life. He will be remembered for the work he took tremendous pride in, the missions he helped support, the friendships that lasted a lifetime, the family he cherished, the laughter and memories he created, and above all, the extraordinary love story he shared with Lily.

Jim is survived by the love of his life, Lily, and their beloved girls, Luna, Pepper, and Bella; his loving mother, Emma S. Ramos; his brothers, Luis Ramos (Rebecca), Eduardo Ramos (Carmella), and George Ramos (Grace); his sisters, Christina Ramos (David Walker) and his beloved twin sister, Emma Jean Ramos (Rusty Ward); as well as his cherished godchildren, nieces and nephews, extended family, lifelong friends, coworkers, and many others whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, loyalty, and generous spirit.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Alberto G. Ramos, as well as beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members who went before him.

Throughout Jim's mesothelioma journey, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation became an invaluable source of guidance, compassion, advocacy, and support, helping Jim and Lily connect with leading medical specialists and resources. Their gratitude for the Foundation and its commitment to mesothelioma research, patient advocacy, education, and awareness is immeasurable.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jim's courageous fight may make a dedicated donation in Jim Ramos' memory to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, helping continue the research, advocacy, and support that meant so much to Jim and Lily throughout their journey.

Make a Dedicated Donation in Jim's Memory. May Jim's fight continue to make a difference for others. Above all else, Jim loved deeply, and he was deeply loved.

His hands helped support missions that reached beyond this Earth, and his love will continue far beyond his lifetime.

Fly high, Rocket Man. Forever Ramos Strong.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM Friday, August 28, 2026, at Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church, 5525 Cristo Rey in Doña Ana. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue where Jim will be laid to rest in the family plot.

Serving as casket bearers will be Luis Ramos, Jr., Albert Ramos, Andrew Walker, Daniel Walker. Rafael Ramos, Josiah Velarde and Edward Tafoya, Jr.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com