Monday, July 08, 2013

Jimmy R. Bason 1935-2013


Jimmy R. Bason, 78, Hillsboro, passed away on July 2, 2013 at his home following complications with a broken hip. Jimmy was born on April 26, 1935 in El Paso, Texas to Irene (Godwin) and Rod O. Bason. He was reared and attended schools in Mesilla and Las Cruces, NM.

He graduated from New Mexico A & M in 1958 with a degree in Animal Science. He married Sue Carter and had three children. Jimmy served in the Air Force as a Navigator from 1958 to 1963. After being discharged from the Air Force, he returned to New Mexico to pursue ranching. He and his partner, Rob Cox, formed the F Cross Ranch west of Hillsboro, NM.

Jimmy was extremely active in the ranching industry and rural issues. He served 29 years on the Sierra Electric Coop Board, including 11 years as president as well as time on the Tri State GNT Board and the Federated Insurance Board. He was a long-time member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association, serving 10 years in leadership including President Elect, Cattleman of the Year, and represented all of agriculture as a lobbyist in the New Mexico Legislature. As President from 1999 to 2001 his accomplishments included building a network among New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Arizona and Mexico's state of Chihuahua. He was an expert in tax matters and was instrumental in many pieces of legislation to protect ranchers and rural residents

In 2003 he married Pat Grimes. She moved from Carlsbad to the ranch in Hillsboro. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Pattilu; children - Stacy A. Bason of Tularosa, NM; R. Brent Bason of Hillsboro, NM; and Danielle S. Hudson (Damien) of Phoenix, AZ; as well as their mother, Sue, and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mary Moore (Rex), of Las Cruces, NM.

Cremation will take place and a Memorial Celebration Service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2013, at 2:00 P.M. at the Hillsboro Community Center with Rev. Russell Bowen officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Cattlegrowers' Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 7517, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87194.

Arrangements are by Kirikos Funeral Home, 303 N. Cedar St., Truth or Consequences, New Mexico 87901. 

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