John Thomas Jaurigue, "Tom", 83, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away on May 4, 2024, surrounded by family, peacefully under the attentive care of Mesilla Valley Hospice.

Tom was born in Las Cruces, NM on December 19, 1940, to Guadalupe "Lupe" and Anne Jaurigue. Tom was a true native son of Las Cruces. After graduating from Las Cruces High School in 1960, where he represented his school in track, and played the trumpet in the band. He served honorably in the Army from '63-'65 where he had the honor of training with the First Infantry Unit the "Big Red One". He returned to Las Cruces to continue his service with the National Guard. Tom worked for 40 years at the Las Cruces Sun News as the Press Superintendent. There were many late nights, and weekends spent disassembling tons of complicated machinery, to find the problem, fix it, and reassemble, all to ensure our city got the news on time. He took great pride in his work and realized the important role he played in his community.

Tom loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter with both rifle and bow. He planned each trip for months with his brother, Robert. It was the highlight of each year, and he looked forward to it. As soon as he returned from the last hunt, he was thinking about the next. If there was a weapon that could be shot, Tom was a marksman. He was a self-taught gunsmith and humbly outshot anyone, pretty much with anything.

Tom was a tinkerer. He never allowed an idle moment to go by. He was always fixing, improving, or inventing something useful or fun. These many activities included a garage run silk screening business, Bob's Custom Tees & Caps, that he ran with his brother Robert (Bobby). Among the many images they created while at this endeavor, was the design of the iconic "Stuff it" Chope's restaurant logo. If you wear a "Stuff It" t-shirt, think of Tom, chances are, he and Bobby made it!

First and foremost, though, Tom was a loving husband and devoted family man. Whether you called him by, Tom, Dad, or Grandpa, you knew he would be there for you when you needed him. He lived his life for his family, and for that, we are forever blessed.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, RoseMary Chavez Jaurigue, his daughters, Dana Wilson (Kevin Wilson), Stacey Sanchez (Rick Madrid), and Amy Zertuche (Jacob Zertuche) and son, David Jaurigue. He also leaves behind his best friend, and brother, Robert Jaurigue. He was fondly known as "Grandpa" by 10 adoring grandchildren, Jordan Sanchez, Kendra Wilson, Kayla Wilson, Davey Jaurigue, Zachary Zertuche, Jadyn Sanchez, Hunter Zertuche, Dominick Jaurigue, Amerae Jaurigue and Derek Lujan.

He was preceded in death by both his parents, and his younger brothers, Jose Jaurigue & Richard Jaurigue.

We love and miss you, Tom.

A Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 PM Friday, June 7, 2024, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road with Father George officiating.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com