Our loving father, Jack L. Valencia Sr., longtime resident of Las Cruces, died peacefully at home at the age of 90. Because of his life's work, it was fitting that he passed on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2016. His devoted wife of 68 years, Maria (Maggie) Valencia and his family brought him home for his final days where he was cared for into his New Life with our Lord. He was born on Dec. 15, 1925, in Blanco.At the age of 16, Jack had to drop out of high school to maintain the family farm in Bloomfield. A self-made man, he earned his GED when he enlisted in the Navy, and as a World War II and Korean War Veteran he served 20 years retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 1964. In addition to many of his shipboard tours around the world, his favorite was aboard his beloved USS Lexington (CVA-16), Jack participated in the historic evacuation of American civilians from Communist China. His last tour of duty was as a recruiter for the Navy in Las Cruces, where he was very successful, earning Navy Recruiting Station of the Month 33 out of 37 months. Following his active duty military career, Jack helped many of the sailors he recruited and other veterans get their VA benefits after they returned home. He was most proud of his accomplishments with the New Mexico Veterans Service Commission as the Southern New Mexico Veterans' Service Officer and later appointed by Governor Bruce King as the Deputy Director in Santa Fe and served under three additional Governors prior to his retirement in 1986. He was instrumental in establishing and getting funding for the New Mexico Veterans Home in T or C. He worked tirelessly as an advocate for Veterans and will be remembered by many for successfully helping thousands of N.M. Veterans and their families obtain their benefits - even up to the week before his death. He was honored by the American Ex-POW's, Las Cruces Chapter with honorary membership in the organization, recognizing his contribution to helping them gain their most deserved respect. He was one of the original WWII Honor Flight participants traveling to the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC right after it was built. Most of his life, he was an active member of VFW Post 3242, American Legion Post 10, DAV Chapter 10, Fleet Reserve Assoc. Branch 235. Jack was loyal to his military buddies and his family whom he called and visited regularly. You could often find him playing games of chance or spending hours playing pool at the table bought by his son Jack Jr. Despite having to drop out of high school, education was paramount for Jack. He was extremely proud that his children and grandchildren were all college educated. He and Maria regularly opened their home to provide housing for out of town family members so they could attend NMSU. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Margarita and Eutimio Archibeque; siblings, Tony, Adolph, Tommy and Eddie Archibeque. He is survived by his wife, Maria; daughter, Patricia and her husband Col. USAF (Ret) Tom Poole, of Tampa, Fla.; son, Capt. USN (Ret.) Raymond Valencia and his wife Raven of Las Cruces; and his son, Jack Valencia Jr. also of Las Cruces; his beloved grandchildren, (his Chachas and Chacho) Jennifer Arrowsmith of Tampa, Fla., Cory Valencia of Las Cruces, Jessica Young of Skokie, Ill. and Stephanie Valencia Ramirez of Washington, DC; great-grandchildren, Madison Wall, Tommy and Katie Young; brother, Paul and wife Rosie Archibeque of Bloomfield; half-siblings, Nora and Ramon Jacquez; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Services are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina St. Las Cruces, NM, where Jack was a faithful parishioner. A viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., the Rosary will follow, led by his nephew Deacon Pat Valdez of Blanco. It will be immediately followed by the Solemn Mass of the Resurrection officiated by Reverend Bill McCann assisted by Deacon Valdez. Interment will be at Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress Rd., Las Cruces, with military honors accorded by a US Navy Honor Guard. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jack's life. Pallbearers are his nephews, Sonny Archibeque, Dwayne Archibeque, David Valdez, Jerry Mauer, friend Richard L. Maestas, and his Godson, Patricio Martinez. Honorary pallbearers are his brother, Paul Archibeque, son-in-law, Col Tom Poole, his nephews, Pat, Mike and Jim Gilmartin, Roberto Martinez, Lt. Col Angelica Martinez, USA, Frieda Flores, Bataan Survivor Julio Barela, members of the American Ex-POW's, Las Cruces Chapter and all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Saint Vincent De Paul Society of Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina, Las Cruces, NM 88001. The family would like to thank the staff at The Good Samaritan Society and Ambercare Hospice for helping us take care of our father, in particular Dr. Roberto Duran, MD, Mr. Steve Blink, RN and Ms. Leslie Mc Cormick, RN, Ms. Jannette Torres, CNA and Ms. Ada Torres, LMSW. We also thank the many friends and family who prayed for us during this difficult time, giving us strength.Jack's care is entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 575-527-2222, Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com.