James "Jim" Russel Bishop

James "Jim" Russel Bishop, Jr. of Cuba, NM, passed away of natural causes on Thursday July 23, 2020. He was born on March 29, 1932 in Ithica, NY. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James Russell Bishop Sr. and Rena Maude Lanning of NY. and his loving wife AnnaMae Latham Johnson Bishop of 40 years, Joyce Bishop Cox sister and Roger E. Bishop brother. Jim is survived by his son Richie Bishop (Tracy), two granddaughters Lauren and Carly, all of New Jersey. Stepchildren Plemon (Beverly) Johnson, Paulette (David) Ball, Debbie (Bill) Toepher, Sharon Freelove, Eldon Johnson and Michelle Johnson. Nephew Elden (Charlotte) Lathem, Nieces Caren (David) Jibeault, Vicki (Fred) Estabrook, Connie (Haines) Cole, Lisa (Charles) Oltz and Roy (Leann) Bishop, Grandchildren, Lori (Roy) Gardner and Lena (Randall) Bates, Shelby (Tanya) Ball and Charlene (Craig) Williams, Jora Sliwinski, Ashley (Juan) Mendez, Josh (Dee) DeHerrera, Brooke (Jake) Nelson, Taylor Ramsey, Haley (Brandon) Kennedy and Derek (Mariah) Lathem and ten Great Grandchildren. After high school graduation he joined the United States Air Force. He was Honorable Discharged in 1954. He served as a radio specialist. He enlisted once again and was Honorably Discharged in 1960. He returned as a civilian and was assigned to the supply services for the Base Exchanges, which took him to Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War. Upon his return to the United States he began working at the Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM where he met his wife AnnaMae. Upon retirement they purchased the Midway Lounge and Motel in Cuba, NM in 1975. They held many dances and had lots of fun. Jim was a member of the Chama Masonic Lodge. He loved his Irish and Jazz music, woodworking and fishing at Dragonfly and Holly Ghost fishing holes with his grandkids. He enjoyed all of those that took the time to stop by his home for a "Toddy". He loved reminiscing about his life in the service with his old buddies or just anyone who would listen. He had quite a memory for his favorite football team statistics, the Philadelphia Eagles was among his favorites. Jim was a native New Yorker, but he traveled the world and settled on New Mexico as his home for over 50 years. Jim still has many relatives that live in New Jersey and remembered the good old days of growing up there. There will be a private family service to be at a later date for James (Jim) Bishop. The family would like to thank all his friends and family for their condolences. Arrangements entrusted to: Riverside Funeral Home 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE 505-764-9663