Jamie Rafael Archuleta, 51 of Cerro, NM was born in Santa Fe in 1974 and was raised in Taos and Cerro. Jamie graduated in 1993 from Questa High School and later attended New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM, majoring in music studies. Music played an integral part of his life, inspired at an early age by his Uncle Joe “Hitler” Gallegos, brother Dino, Todd Dillon, Eddy Lee Bullington, Joey Gallegos and Los Cordovas, Nerio, Darryl, Darren and Daniel. He began playing in high school stage band, rocking out alongside Chris Arellano, Rudy Garcia, and others under the instruction of Andrew Valdez. In college, he was a member of the Highlands Mariachi group and became friends with Daniel Lee Gallegos and other musicians, and later became a member of La Pleve band and also played with other local area bands. After leaving Las Vegas, Jamie’s love for music continued as he worked behind the scenes for radio stations KXMT and KKIT and broadcasting for LMNOC, Taos. Jamie enjoyed working with younger musicians, and later, he and Chris Arellano joined again as co-intructors for local youth School of Rock camps. Jamie was owner of JA Productions and partnered with El Monte Carlo and various sponsors to book many popular New Mexico bands, he promoted local events including annual Dia de Las Acequias del Norte music concerts, various benefit dances, and pool, horseshoe and cornhole tournaments.

Besides his musical background and contributions, Jamie worked in various other fields, including Sales and Tech Support for Circuit City in Albuquerque, Classified Sales for The Taos News, Installation for Weathergard Windows and Doors in Taos, Utility and Waterworks for Village of Questa, Youth Counselor for Taos Behavioral Health, and most recently Sales & IT at El Monte Carlo in Questa

Jamie had many friends, some who were lifelong friends since his childhood years. He enjoyed life and spending time with friends and family whether attending parties, concerts, jamming the guitar, singing karaoke, or trips to Dallas and Las Vegas. He was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, he loved the sport of wrestling, every kind of music (rock, country and New Mexico Spanish music were his favorites), he loved to eat well, and just hanging out watching a good flick…He was a Real Cool Dude.

Jamie passed away in his beloved Cerro, NM on January 16, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents Tomas and Ruth Archuleta and his “Lala” Felix Archuleta, his brother Tom E Archuleta and his Padrinos Lionel and Eralia “Grama Lala” Cisneros. Throughout the years, Jamie lost several close friends, and he carried a tremendous heartache for each of them. Jamie is survived by his brothers Felix Jr and Dino (Krystal), sisters Patsy (Lorenzo), Denise (Edward), and Debbie. He is also survived by his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, many cousins, and his baby Paco. Jamie had too many friends to list individually, including his classmates of ‘92 and ‘93, but who were more like family to him than just friends.

Jamie’s family would like to acknowledge friends who were there for him during his times of need, especially José Mascareñas, Conrad Archuleta, Martie Segura, Ted Archuleta, Silviano Vigil, Korey and DeeDee Mead, Christian Isely, Tori Medina, Sonya Arguello, Keith Archuleta, Manuel Archuleta, Mark Gallegos, Michael Rael, Lorenzo Ortega, Veronica Archuleta, John Lacome, Ron Montoya and Dave Vigil. The family would also like to extend their gratitude to Questa PD, Questa/Cerro EMS first responders and Taos ALS first responders who acted swiftly to provide comfort and care during Jamie’s last hours. Thank you to Jacque and Natasha and the Rivera Family Funeral Home for your loving care of our Beloved Jamie.

A memorial service will be held at the Rivera Family Funeral Home chapel on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00am. A procession will follow to El Monte Carlo in Questa with a reception and meal to honor Jamie’s life. A private burial will take place at a later date.

A service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Rivera Chapel at 11AM.