John Joe Smith

John Joe Smith, age 74, went home to be with our Lord on Friday, May 22, 2020. Johnny was born on December 17, 1945, in Chama, NM, to Elizabeth Martin and Truman Smith. Johnny lived in Chama until 1988 when he moved to southern NM. He moved to the Hondo Valley in 1991 eventually settling in Tinnie, NM. Johnny's work ethic was unrivaled. He lived to work and worked to live. His drive and intelligence lent to many different jobs. He was an EMT, hunting guide, snowmobile shop owner, general contractor, hunting lodge owner, restaurant owner, rancher, and farmer to name a few. He finished his career at the Rio Hondo Land and Cattle Company where he was the head mechanic for the past 25 years. He worked until the day he died. With his impeccable work ethic, he taught his family that most problems can be solved with persistent hard work. Playtime was attacked with the same ferocity as worktime. John's hobbies over the years included auctioning, camping, fishing, boating, watching his grandkids play, and telling his daughters how to cook. He enjoyed providing his family entertainment and always spoiled them with toys-horses, boats, ATV's, dune buggies, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles, to name a few. He always made playtime an adventure. He loved his family (especially his grandkids) and friends, in his words, "fiercely." John taught his family to care for and help those around them, especially the elderly. He taught them to work hard and never give up. His legacy is his love of life and family. John was an old-time character in a modern-day world. Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters Jennifer Cordova of Albuquerque, NM, and Robin Prudencio and her husband Dominic of Edgewood, NM. His grandchildren Kendra Cordova and Joshua Cordova of Albuquerque, NM, and Colton Prudencio and Hadley Prudencio of Edgewood, NM. John is preceded in death by his father, Truman Dale Smith, mother, Elizabeth June Martin, sisters, Ann Ortiz and Mary Pettingill, and brother, Robert Smith. Arrangements entrusted to: Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque 225 San Mateo Blvd NE (505) 764-9663