Jasper Koontz 1915-2011

Jasper F. Koontz, lifelong rancher and cowboy, age 96, died at his home in Corrales on Thursday, June 9, 2011.  He was born in Inez, Texas, on March 25, 1915.  He was orphaned at the age of 7 and was reared by several aunts and uncles in south Texas.  He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1938 and served for several years in the US Army.

After leaving the Army, he worked for his uncle, James E. Baylor, in west Texas and Durango, Mexico as a rancher.  In 1946, he began a lifelong adventure with his wife, Ella Dee, ranching in Alpine, TX.  In 1948, Jasper and his cousin, James Baylor, Jr. purchased a portion of the Alameda Land Grant on the west mesa of Albuquerque, which is now Rio Rancho,  where they ranched until the mid sixties. The ranch headquarters were located at their historic home in Corrales. In 1964, Jasper and Ella Dee purchased a ranch in Ft. Sumner, NM and lived there until 1973 when they returned to their home in Corrales.  He was a devoted husband and was a father, mentor and partner with all three of his children during their various endeavors.  He spent his later years in life team roping and pursuing his lifelong avocation of being a true cowboy.  He was named New Mexico Cattleman of the year in 1977 by the NM Cattle Grower’s Association and was a gold card member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and a lifetime member of the United States Team Roping Championships.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Francis Clare Koontz.  He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ella Dee Koontz of Corrales; his son Jim and his wife, Marilee, of Ft. Sumner, NM; his son, Court and his wife, Anne, of Corrales; his grandson, Clay Koontz and his wife, Lisa, of Albuquerque; his grandson, Justin Koontz and his wife, Taylor, of Lubbock, TX; his grandson, Jasper Koontz, of Chandler, AZ; his grandson, Courtenay W. Koontz of Corrales, and three great grandchildren.

A memorial service and celebration of Jasper’s life will be held at the Koontz home in Corrales on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to The Friends of the Corrales Library Endowment Fund (www.corraleslibrary.org or PO Box 1868, Corrales, NM 87048) or the NM Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation (www.theranches.org).  Jasper’s care has been entrusted with Daniel’s Family Funeral Services, Rio Rancho, NM.