James Eugene Britton, "JB", 66, of White Signal, NM, passed away December 23, 2024, after a 5-year battle with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

JB was born May 9, 1958, to Iona Joan Scott and Arthur James Britton, in Lodi, Ohio. As a child he moved to Quemado, New Mexico. There he liked to explore the salt mines with his dad, and swim in the bottomless volcanoes. He even got to meet the astronauts who were training for the moon landing.

At the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Czechoslovakia. While there he continued bull riding with the European Rodeo Association. There he became the 1977 bull riding Champion, and in 2019 JB was inducted into the Military Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Three years later he returned to New Mexico where he met the love of his life, Susan. They were married in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1979. Then they moved to Silver City, New Mexico where they raised two girls and two boys.

At the age of thirteen he began driving 18 wheelers, which he drove up until the week before he passed away. In 1996 he opened his Feed Store Mountain Right Feed & Supply. Here he trucked in Hay, feed, wood, and wood pellets. In addition to owning and operating a feed store and trucking in his supplies JB also contracted with the Forest Service hauling supplies for natural disasters. He did this for the past 31 years getting to explore various parts of the United States hauling supplies with his Semi from the Silver City Fire Cache.

JB stayed busy working or doing things around his property. He took great pride in maintaining his Semi. He loved spending time with his wife, and for the last 3 years they went on many adventures together while hauling supplies for the wildfires. JB also enjoyed going on pack trips with his buddies. He was known for his love of "Hot Chile". He idolized John Wayne and collecting John Wayne Memorabilia. JB enjoyed being out in the wilderness and cutting wood. JB also enjoyed puzzles, many of his puzzles hang in the family home and in his old office.

JB is preceded in death by his father, mother and stepfather. He is survived by his loving wife Susan L. Britton of the family home, daughter Shannon L. Britton, of Amarillo, Texas, Son Justin Britton, and wife Yvette Britton, of White Signal, New Mexico, daughter Stephanie L. Britton, of San Antonio, Texas, and son Jessie J. Britton and wife Tristan Britton, of Arenas Valley, New Mexico, 14 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, Sisters Teresa Smith, and Debbie Keel, of Ohio, Uncle John and Aunt Debbie, of Florida. Also surviving are his many other family members and many great friends who were also family to JB.

JB was a great role model to many near and far, he made a friend everywhere he went, and many have great stories of him. He would give his shirt off his back to anyone in need and always tried to see the good in everyone. While the family lost their beloved husband, father, and pops, many have also lost a great friend.

"Roll on Cowboy!", and Buena Suerte, Vaya Con Dios.

A memorial service with full military honors will be celebrated on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 9am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Billy Mize officiating.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.