Frank Jaramillo

Aug. 8, 1945–March 14, 2021

Frank J. Jaramillo died peacefully at his home in Water Canyon, New Mexico on March 14, 2021.

Frank was born in Socorro, New Mexico on August 08, 1945, to Juan and Flora Jaramillo. He attended Mt. Carmel Catholic School and graduated from Socorro High School.

Frank honorably served in the New Mexico National Guard before earning his degree in Elementary Education from Western New Mexico University. Upon completion of his degree, he was gifted a title from his students, and this title would be the one accomplishment that he cherished most. He was very proud to be known as “Mr. J.” Mr. J was an elementary school teacher, administrator, and Superintendent in both Socorro Consolidated Schools and Magdalena Municipal Districts. He also taught at the Alamo Navajo School in its earliest days. In his tenure in Socorro Consolidated Schools, he was principal at Midway Elementary, San Antonio Elementary, Torres Elementary, and Saraccino Middle School.

He was recognized for his leadership in uniting teachers, administrators, support staff, and students. He also directed the construction and opening of Parkview Elementary, Sarracino Middle School, and the new Zimmerly Elementary.

Mr. J’s philosophy was rooted in the ancestral wisdom of his mother, whose words he often repeated: cada cabeza es un mundo (every head is a world). He approached education faithfully to this idea, recognizing that the mind of every child holds indelible gifts, fear, love, loss, joy, and sorrow which must be respected and nourished.

Throughout his extraordinary life, Mr. J practiced what too many only preach. He was a dreamer who strived to make a better world beginning with the children of Socorro County, whom he ardently loved.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tony Jaramillo, and his sisters, Bella Montoya, and Lorraine Woodard.

He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy, his son John, his daughters, Tara and Elizabeth, his sisters Gloria Casey, Leah Wills, and Corrina Taylor, his brother Andy Jaramillo, ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, dear friends and colleagues, and former students.

A rosary will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the San Miguel Catholic Church, 403 El Camino Real, Socorro, New Mexico 87801 a 9:00 am. Mass will immediately follow at 9:30 am with Father John Anasiudu preciding.

Honorary pallbearers are Luis Mendez, Frank Jaramillo-Marquez, John Jaramillo IV, Don McKinley, John Aguilar, J.C. Trujillo, and J.J. Apachito.

A farewell procession will follow the mass and begin on Reservoir Street, ending at a private burial in Water Canyon.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Mr. J by taking a moment to celebrate the children in your life and within your community. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com

Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield St, Socorro, NM 87801

575-835-1530