Michael James Ransom, 76 of Alamogordo, New Mexico, passed away July 31, 2024 at Mesilla Valley Hospice, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Michael was born in Selma, CA to Mabel and Howard Ransom. Directly after graduating from San Joaquin Memorial High School, Mike joined the Air Force and began a 20-year distinguished career that included a stint in the White House, under the State Dept Communications division. He received awards for his work on the president's historic travel to China. He was a Vietnam-era veteran, a service for which he was immensely proud. He completed college and a master's in electrical engineering and continued to work toward his Ph.D. He worked hard and obtained his Professional Engineering Certification in both Electrical and Civil Engineering and was honored that it meant he could testify in court as an expert witness should he be asked. He retired from the Air Force after having attained the rank of Captain, in 1987. He went on to teach mathematics at National University and then worked as an engineer for J.M Lord until he retired at the age of 65.

Throughout his childhood and during his entire life, Mike remained close to his eight siblings and his parents. He often requested to be stationed at posts as close to his childhood home in the Fresno area as possible. The family was always the utmost priority to Mike, and he followed in his parent's footsteps, by having a large family himself. In total, Mike has raised ten children. They fondly remember his loving support, mentorship, joyous laughter, and unwavering belief in God and his Catholic faith.

Mike took great pride in a good day's work, and he also loved to celebrate special occasions with family and friends. He loved to travel, but his favorite part was planning trips with his wife, siblings, kids, nephews, nieces, cousins. Then, he would revel in retelling his stories. He was a natural public speaker and delivered his hilarious tales with perfect timing to emit gales of laughter.

Mike was an enormous, comforting, and joyful presence in the lives of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Michael is survived by his wife, Irene Ransom; children, John Ransom, Darlene Harston, Tammie Ransom, Carolyn Chase and spouse Eric Chase, Katherine Lavik and spouse Larry Lavik, Maryann Casey and spouse Allen Casey, Megan Damon and spouse David Damon, Isaac Ransom, Yasmin Taber and spouse Emmett Taber; 20 Grandchildren; 6 Siblings; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel James Ransom; parents, Mabel and Howard Ransom; brother, Delbert Ransom; sister, Teresa Ferry

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 10:15am at St. Jude Roman Catholic Parish, 1404 College Ave, Alamogordo, NM 88310. A service will also  be held for California friends and family on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 11:00AM Nativity Chapel, St. Peter's Cemetery, 264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels 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