James "Bozo" Cordova

James “Bozo” Cordova, 77 of Santa Rosa, NM passed away peacefully in Amarillo, Texas, with his loving family at his side, on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Bozo was born January 28, 1948 in Santa Rosa, NM to Andalecio Cordova and Bicentita (Barela) Cordova. He was raised in Santa Rosa, attending St. Rose Catholic School and graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1967. While in his youth, Bozo worked for various gas stations along Rt. 66 in Santa Rosa, fostering his passion for automobiles. Following graduation, Bozo attended Mechanic Trade School in Arizona.

On September 20, 1980, Bozo married the former Anna Jaramillo and they made Santa Rosa their home, where they raised their family. Bozo worked for Lee Cordova Chevrolet in Santa Rosa and later in 1981 established his own businesses—Bozo’s Garage and Wrecker Towing. In 2000 Bozo opened his pride and joy; Rt. 66 Museum. As time marched, Bozo developed his garage into Bozo’s Garage and Restoration Shop.

A civic minded individual, Bozo was a devoted parishioner at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, he served as City Councilman for the City of Santa Rosa, County Commissioner for Guadalupe County and currently serving on Plateau Board of Directors. In his spare time, Bozo was a member of various car clubs, the Santa Rosa Street Rodders, he enjoyed drag racing in the 1970’s and boating. However, Bozo will be particularly remembered for the love and devotion he had for his family and his Thirsty Thursdays with Chicharrones—where he cooked for his entire crew.

Bozo is preceded in death by his parents, his son: Timothy, his granddaughter: Addison and his siblings: Pat Cordova, Pete Cordova, Andy Cordova and Dora Baca and his in-laws: Mabel Cordova and Manuel Baca.

He is survived by his wife: Anna, of the family home, his children: Ann Marie Cordova, James (Anna Mae) Cordova, Jr. and Stacy (Michael) Wylie, his grandchildren: Erryn Cordova, Andre Cordova, Tamara Ruiz, Jacob Cordova, Dylan Cordova Lucero, Macy Wylie and Alaysia Casaus, his great-grandchildren: Zayden Abney, Moses Ramos, Aurora Gunthrie, Gabriel Gunthrie and Audrey Ruiz, his siblings: Beatrice Salazar, Dorothy (Adolfo) Romero, Frances (Carlos) Aguilar, Michael (Patricia) Cordova and Juanita (Paul) Tapia, his sister-in-law: Erinea Cordova, as well as numerous family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, September 5, 2025, from 12 Noon to 4PM at Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary will take place, Friday, September 5, 2025 at 6PM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa.

The funeral service will be Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 10AM at Santa Rosa High School Gymnasium in Santa Rosa, with Father Sotero Sena celebrating the service.

Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, in the Cordova Family Plot, with Michael Wylie, Larry Romero, Rick Candelaria, Juan Jaramillo, Felix Vestuiano, Michael Chavez, Don Thompson, Larry Sena, Steve Silva, Vicente Silva, Joey Silva, Don Wylie, Richard "Elvis" Serna, Sider Esquibel, Norman Medina, Steve Angel, Arthur "Peachy" Chavez,  Kenny Jackson, Oliver Olona, Michael Maestas and Michael Cordova serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers are Bozo’s many friends and his family.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369.