James Roy Mize, Jr.
( August 17, 1958 – June 24, 2022 )
James (Jim) Roy Mize, Jr. lost his battle with cancer on June 24, 2022, at his home in Clayton, NM. He was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, and uncle. He touched the lives of so many people and made friends no matter where he was. Jim’s can-do, know-it-all approach became the staple of his character. But his loving, selfless, and charitable qualities are what made us all love him.
Jim was born on August 17, 1958, to James Roy Mize, Sr., and Joan Ruth Mize in Bakersfield, California. He spent his childhood in Bakersfield, CA until he decided to serve our country and joined the US Navy at the age of 16. After a distinguished 22-year career, Jim retired from the US Navy and moved back to Bakersfield with his first wife Carol, and sons James and Christopher. Jim began working for the U.S. Post office for a short time before he began his career with The GEO Group at the Taft Correctional Facility. There, he worked in the maintenance department for 10 years. In 2008, Jim and his second wife Kelly, and their daughter Allison moved to Clayton, NM to continue his career as Maintenance Manager for the Northeast New Mexico Detention Facility with The Geo group. After 11 years, Jim accepted an offer from The GEO Group Arizona State Correctional Facility as Physical Plant Manager. He resigned from The GEO Group and returned to Clayton, NM to work for the State of New Mexico Correctional Facility as Physical Plant Manager until June 2021. In July 2021, Jim was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer. After that, he made the difficult decision to retire so that he can be with family and focus on his well-being.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Roy Mize Sr., his mother, Joan Ruth Rockhill, his stepfather, Don Rockhill, his sister Carlotta Porter and his ex-wife Carol Harms.
He leaves behind the love of his life, Kelly Rae Mize, after 23 years of marital happiness, sons James Roy Mize III, Christopher Allen Mize, and wife Lorraine, daughter Allison Joan Mize-Palmiter, and husband Michael. Through his marriage with Kelly, he also leaves behind stepson Steven M. Matice and wife Shell, stepson Matthew R. Matice and wife Megan. Collectively, he leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, James IV, Xander, Amaris, Jessy, Ethan, Jonathan, Bradley, Hope, Mari-Lynn, Penelope, Rosemary, Mason, and Melody. He also leaves behind his siblings, Carolyn Miller and husband Richard, and David Rockhill; along with nephews Daniel, Robin, Donovan, and several great nieces and nephews.
Jim did not want a formal funeral. Therefore, there will be a celebration of life BBQ on July 2 @ 2:00 PM at 202 Monroe St. in Clayton, NM. Come by and share your stories with us about our amazing Jim.
If you wish to honor his memory, please donate anything you can to the Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
