Jimmy Arvil Maddox (Big Jim), 81, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 18, 2017, at Gila Regional Medical Center. His wife of 54 years, Lucinda, was at his side.
He was born on October 9, 1935, to James W. Maddox and Earlene Wilson Maddox in Port, Oklahoma.
After graduation from High School, he moved to NM and lived with his maternal Grandmother Mary Myrtle Mathews while he attended NM Western College in Silver City. He spent the remainder of his life living and working there.
During his lifetime he held many jobs. He entered each one with enthusiasm and skill. He always researched every field that he worked in and became proficient in whatever he was working at. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and hunting, which he passed on to countless youth as a Boy Scout leader. He worked with several welding supply companies; sold insurance; and was an excellent cook, making and selling bread, dinner rolls, and cinnamon rolls for many years. He was especially known for his sourdough bread, which always sold out quickly. He loved riding his Harley and logged many miles and friends along with it. For many years he was Santa Clause to many children of Grant County.
He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Silver City Lodge #1718 where he held several different offices and held the Legionnaire and Friendship degrees. He was also a longtime member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Silver City Lodge #413.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years and the love of his life, Lucinda, his son Thomas and his wife Julie; grandsons Kyle Maddox, his fiancé Latisha Herrera, and Sean Maddox; one great-grandson Logan Kaide Maddox; his sister-in-law Mary Maddox, and nieces Beverly Frederick, her husband Dale, and Cynthia Maddox.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Mary Myrtle Mathews, parents, James and Earlene, his step-mother LaVonne, one brother, Jerry Lee Maddox, and a son, Duncan Wayne Wayne Menhkoff.
He was loved by many and will be sorely missed.