Santiago (James) Antonio Roybal

In Loving Memory of Santiago (James) Antonio Roybal

June 12, 1950 – May 20, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James A. Roybal, who left us on May 20, 2025, at the age of 74. Known for his fairness, patience, and kind and caring demeanor, Jim was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend.

Jim was born on June 12, 1950, in Española, NM, and was one of nine children born to Pablo and Ruby Roybal. He was the “filling” of the sandwich – born right in the middle with four older and four younger siblings. He was raised on the Rancho Las Lagunas dairy farm in Nambé, NM.

After graduating from Pojoaque High School in 1968, Jim went on to get his BS degree at New Mexico State University and his MS degree from the University of Arizona. Upon graduation, Jim returned to Nambé to help with the dairy. He wore many hats but was primarily responsible for the processing and bottling of milk until the dairy closed in 2001. Subsequently, Jim worked at Santa Maria El Mirador in Alcalde, NM, and for the home health care firm Professional Case Management. In recent years he was responsible for the irrigation of the farm’s property in La Puebla.

Jim was a lifelong learner for both enjoyment and expansion of his knowledge. He took classes at Northern NM College in computer basics, nursing, and art. Jim expressed his caring nature in many ways: by helping others, supporting natural conservation, and caring for wildlife. His heritage and family were very important to him, and he served as a Jacona Land Grant Board member and officer for many years.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Alberto & Bernardita Salazar and Procopio & Tonita Roybal; parents, Pablo & Ruby Roybal; and siblings: Alberto, Roberto, Donaldo, and Paula Sánchez. He is survived by his siblings Rick (Judy), Alfredo (Orlinda), Anna Price (Thom), and Paul (Mark Anstadt), brother-in-law Gary Sánchez and a large family of loving nephews and nieces, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on June 11, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nambe, NM, with a rosary at 9:00 am and a mass of Christian burial at 10:00. Interment will follow at the Pojoaque Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Santa Fe Conservation Trust in Jim’s memory. (https://sfct.org/donate/)

Rest in peace, Jim. You will be forever remembered and dearly missed.