James Michael Vigil

James Michael Vigil of Cundiyo, New Mexico, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 20, 2024. He was 58. He passed away from a lengthy illness of cancer.

James is preceded in death by his son Anthony J. Vigil; father Felix F. Vigil, mother Trinidad A. Vigil, and brother Leroy J. Vigil.

He is survived by his grandchildren Damien Vigil and Anjelika Vigil, his siblings Lucille Garcia (Mike), Joann Sandoval (Leroy), Terry Chacon (Carlos), and Felix D. Vigil.

He will be missed by his nieces and nephews Rebecca Trujillo (Jesse), Gabriel Garcia (Sachel), Claudia Chacon, Brittani Vigil (Manny), Amanda Chacon (Dalton), Leandro Vigil (Alexis), Mateo Trujillo, Dominic Trujillo and Eliana Trujillo.

James was in the United States Army Reserves. He entered Basic Training on January 7, 1986, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and completed his basic training on March 6, 1986. During Basic Training he was awarded a Certificate of Achievement and was selected as an Honor Soldier for his outstanding performance by achieving superior scores in Basic Rifle Marksmanship, the Army Readiness Test and an evaluation of Basic Military Skills conducted at the end of the cycle. He was also designated as a Company Guidon Bearer. He entered the U.S. Training Center following Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on May 15, 1986. He received his diploma as a Heavy Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, MOS6310. During active duty he was awarded the Army Service Ribbon/Expert badge with the M16 Rifle and Marksman Badge with the Hand Grenade. James was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army on December 13, 1991.

James was a skilled Carpenter and worked for many contractors in Northern New Mexico. One of his projects was building his sister and brothers-in-law's house in Santa Cruz, New Mexico. This was among many other projects. Growing up in Cundiyo, New Mexico, gave James a magnificent backyard to do the activities he enjoyed. He enjoyed activities; such as, fishing in the Frijoles River, going hunting, and horseback riding. James had a talent for caring conversations and building bonds with all people from all walks of life. He was humble, articulate, smart, and witty. Recently, our cousin said he had seen James and after talking to James for about 30 minutes, they parted ways, and with a smile from cheek to cheek, he said "it left me feeling like I was back in the 1970's", "it was such a great visit".

James Vigil will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Pallbearer is Felix D. Vigil.

Honorary Pallbearers are Damien Vigil, Anjelika Vigil, and Rubel Baca.

The James Vigil family would like to give special thanks to Ambercare Staff and Rivera Family Funeral Home for their compassion and care.

Services will be held Friday May 3, 2024 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rosary at 11AM and Mass to follow at 11:30AM. Burial will follow at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. 

The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola.