Obituary of James Kaczmarek

James Michael Kaczmarek passed away on Dec 22, 2015 at Mountain View Hospital, after fighting a week long illness. James Michael Kaczmarek was born January 3, 1953 in Buffalo, NY to Michael J. and Marguerite (Gorczyca) Kaczmarek. Jim attended Turner Catholic high school, the University of Miami, the University of Buffalo and finally NMSU where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Jim came to the Southwest (the place he would come to call home) in the early 70's when he was stationed in White Sands Missile Range as an Army Criminal Investigator. After serving his term in the Army, Jim moved on to work at Metro Narcotics (DEA) and also the City of Las Cruces Police as an Investigator. In the 80's, Jim left the Las Cruces Police to start a business of his own called High Desert Investigations and Security. In 1986 Jim became the proud and loving father to his only daughter, Amanda Marie. In 1993 he first met the woman that would become his wife, Laura Stull. Jim and Laura became fast friends, began to date in 1995 and they were married in the summer of 2000. Only a few years prior, in 1998, Jim began working at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility and worked there since, most recently serving as the Physical Plant Director. Jim loved to cook and would often prepare delicious meals for his family and friends - especially ribs, steak and his famous pasta salad. He seemed in his element when he was taking care of others and always enjoyed spending time with his family which absolutely included his dogs- most recently Taffy, Scruffy, Buttercup and Buddy. Jim also enjoyed woodworking, travel, good food and good music. He had recently figured out how to use an iPad and spent much of this past summer and fall on his back patio listening to his music and enjoying the beautiful yard, garden, fountain and turtle terrarium.