James William Satterfield

James William “Buddy” Satterfield, 90, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 2, 2026.

Jim was born on December 11, 1935, in Skellytown, Texas, to James and Willie Vee (Tyson) Satterfield. As a child, his older sister, Jo Ann, gave him the nickname “Buddy” because she couldn’t say “brother.” Though many knew him as Jim, he would always be Buddy to those closest to him.

Growing up, Jim’s family moved often, taking him from Texas to Oklahoma, Louisiana, Georgia, and even Canada before eventually returning to Georgia on his own to finish high school. During his time in Louisiana, he learned to speak with the best of them and could talk Cajun as naturally as a local. Those experiences helped shape the hardworking and adventurous man he became. He loved football, fishing, square and line dancing, singing in church, and spending time with family and friends.

After high school, Jim joined the United States Army alongside his best friends, Joe Kelly and Jerry Byrd. He served as a Military Police officer in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he met the love of his life, Mary. They married on February 15, 1958, and spent the next 68 years building a life together.

Jim earned his master’s degree from the University of New Mexico and spent many years working in education as a coach, physical education teacher, and principal in Moriarty, New Mexico. He loved working with kids and took pride in helping them succeed.

Jim loved adventure. He enjoyed skydiving with his brothers-in-law Rudy, Benny and James and was always up for trying something new. After retiring in 1995, he and Mary spent their time traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Mexico, making memories together everywhere they went.

More than anything, Jim loved Jesus and he loved his family. His faith guided the way he lived his life. He was kind, patient, dependable, and always willing to lend a hand. He could fix just about anything, tell a good story, and make people feel welcome. He loved singing hymns, and sharing his faith any chance he got.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Willie Vee Satterfield, and his sister, Lillian Smith. He is now reunited with them in Heaven, where they welcome him home with open arms. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his sons, Paul and Mark; his daughter-in-law, Tammy; his grandchildren, Justin (fiancée Aaryn), Madison (fiancé Caleb), Krystal (husband John), and Kyra ( fiancé Eric) ; his great-grandchildren, Roland, Raymond, Desiree, and Faith. His sister, Jo Ann Smith; and many other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. at Forest Meadow Baptist Church, 54 Highway 217, Tijeras, New Mexico 87059. All who knew and loved Jim are welcome to join us as we celebrate his life, share memories, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

While his family will miss him deeply, they find comfort knowing that he is now with the Lord he loved so much and reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23