Contributor: Kelly in CT (#47077034)

Raymond N. Jaramillo, loving father and talented entertainer, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, while visiting Las Vegas, NV. He had just completed recording a song he wrote dedicated to our servicemen stationed in Iraq, called A Prayer for Christmas. He was born November 23, 1932 in Rincon, NM to Patricio and regoria Naranjo Jaramillo. Ray had been a longtime Las Cruces resident where graduated from Las Cruces High School class of 1950 and served his country honorably for over 11 years in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Raymond, known as the Prince of Son, began his musical career in Las Cruces as the lead singer and trumpeter for a local group called The Kingsmen. He became a contractor and real estate broker before moving to Hollywood to start a record company called Soular Records. While in Los Angeles, his deep desire to serve his community lead him to run for the Los Angeles City Council. Although he was not elected, he instilled in his children the concept of community service; inspiring his son, Raymond Jaramillo Soular, to run for Las Cruces City Council. During his musical career, he recorded many songs, including a recent memorial to the Columbia Astronauts, called Touch the Face of God, and a theme song for Las Vegas, called Las Vegas (My City. He was actively involved in our local community, singing at many events, including at the Apodaca Park dedication of the Indian Monument, Holy Cross Elementary Veterans Day Remembrance, the Senior Olympics, and at the yearly Knights of Columbus Enchilada Dinner. A photo of Raymond singing for a charity dinner held at the Caldito Soup Kitchen was recently featured on the front page of the Sun News. He will be remembered as wonderful father, for being an excellent role model, living life to the fullest and seeing the positive in everyone he met. Raymond brought the magic of Hollywood to our city and he will not be forgotten. Family survivors include his wife, Josie Jaramillo of the family home; children, Linda Armendariz husband, Frank of San Clemente, CA, Raymond Louie Jaramillo Soular of Las Cruces, Frank Jaramillo wife, Sharon of Van Nuys, CA, Christopher Jaramillo Soular wife, Dawn of Sylmar, CA; brothers, Pat Jaramillo wife, Marjorie of Eureka, CA, Johnny Jaramillo wife, Ninfa of Las Cruces; sisters, Sadie Serna, Betty Soto husband, George, Mickie Chavez husband, Bobby, Mary Bulger husband, Tom all of Las Cruces; 5 grandchildren, Frank and Tatjana Armendariz, Ashley and Ricky Soular, Adam Jaramillo and 1 great-granddaughter, Tianna Armendariz. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; son, Vincent Jules Jaramillo in 1985 and brother, Louis N. Jaramillo killed in the Korean Conflict. Friends and family may gather Friday, September 12, 2003 from 5 to 7 PM at Getz Funeral Home Chapel where the Prayer Vigil will follow beginning at 7 PM. His Funeral Mass will be Saturday, September 13, 2003 at 9:00 AM at St. Genevieves Catholic Church with Msgr. John Anderson officiating. The rite of committal will follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers will be sons, Raymond, Chris and Frank Jaramillo, grandson, Frank Armendariz Jr., brother, Johnny Jaramillo and brother-in-law, Baltizar Lucero.Honorary bearer is Frank Armendariz Sr.