Jimmy Lytle “El Indio/Big Jim/Papa”, 79, passed away on April 26, 2023. He was born in Salem, New Mexico on August 20, 1943. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Jo, sons Faron Lytle (Rosie) and Vernon Lytle (Tim), daughters, Mendy Montez (Lupe Ramos), Rhonda Cabrales (Fred) and Jacque Robson (Trip), mother, Junie Lytle-Rutherford and sister, Sherry Russell (Donny), 15 grandchildren (Amy Marquez [Javier], Candace Barrett (Joshua), Melanie Spears (Darnelle), Skyler Montez, Jim “Bubba” Montez (Mary), Kayla Baraibar (Mark), Megan Montez, Adam Lytle Montez, Brianna Montez, Stephen Cabrales [Victoria], Frank Cabrales, Alfred James Cabrales, Alexis Bilbao [Caesar], Colin Robson and Evan Robson) and 11 great grandchildren (Ethan Marquez, Rhea Bella Marquez, Ayden Lytle-Martinez, Cajly Barrett, Oaklyn Barrett, Monroe Spears, Grace Montez, Brynnlee Mitchell, Zia Baraibar, Stephen Cabrales Jr. (SJ), and his most, favorite little buddy, Christian Cabrales. Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Jim Lytle, his sister Carol Garland, his grandson, Faron Raymond Lytle, Jr. and his great grand-daughter, Jaylee Rae Montez.

Jimmy was a Hatch Valley High School graduate of the class of 1961. He was a lifetime student and teacher of all things in the real world. Next to his family his most proud accomplishment was that of being a third-generation Chile Farmer. Early on he accepted the responsibility from his late father, the original Big Jim, of transforming the area of agricultural science in cultivating the land and developing many varieties of chiles. His expertise in growing chile was well-known and his contributions to the farming community will always be remembered and celebrated.

Jimmy was not just a farmer. Throughout the years, Jimmy self-taught and perfected many hobbies. He was a skilled photographer who captured beautiful moments and memories that will be cherished forever. He also had a passion for woodworking, creating many pieces that will be treasured for generations. He even taught himself to play his self-carved North American Indian flute. He had a love for food and was famous for his salsa and Dutch Oven baking. He was an avid skeet and clay bird shooter and won many awards throughout the country.

Although Jimmy was a perfectionist in everything he did, he did not expect, but rather accepted everyone’s imperfection. Larger than life and a true legend, Jimmy was the best example of a great man - Hatch Valley proud, honest and hardworking. He didn’t yearn to travel but rather to wander. His favorite activity would be to walk the hills and mountains, track whatever game he was hunting or just enjoy spending time in nature.

Jimmy loved to tell (sometimes tall) tales, celebrate others and his kindness extended beyond his family, friends and neighbors to even strangers who became friends. He was known for his generosity and willingness to help anyone in need. He touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his legacy of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jimmy, may the sun always shine warm on your face and dirt only stick to the bottom your boots!

A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church, Hatch, New Mexico on May 10, 2023 at 11:00am MDT with a lunch reception to follow. Arrangements are being made by Getz Funeral Home in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

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