Jack Henry Otero died on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, in Farmington following a long illness, surrounded by family and friends. He made Farmington his home for the past 38 years and was loved not only by his family but also his many friends and colleagues in the community. Jack was born on July 8, 1953, in Roswell, to his parents, Henry R. and Margaret L. Otero. They moved to Albuquerque two years later, where he spent his childhood. Jack was lucky to grow up in a close family and among his many cousins, the Bob and Esther Saucedo family and children, Max and Tillie Martinez family and children, and Diego and Dorothy Flores family and children, all of Albuquerque. Jack loved his family and his many cousins, aunts and uncles, and was a favorite to all.
Jack enjoyed cars, golf and people, family and friends, and could always be counted on for a smile, a good laugh and a fun story, and to this day is the topic of endless stories and fond memories by all who knew him.
He spent most of his adult years in Farmington in the automobile business, including 23 years
at Ziems Ford and six years at Automax, where his coworkers became friends who all smile when they remember Jack. Jack graduated in 1971 from Manzano High School in Albuquerque. He moved shortly to Gallup, where he met his future wife, Priscilla Spencer. Jack and Priscilla had three children, Geraldine, Zachary and Alex. In 1978, the family moved to Farmington, where Jack continued work in the automobile business and has made his home since.
He is survived by his parents, Henry R. and Margaret L. Otero of Farmington; his sister, Carmen Otero-Barnhouse and her husband Gene; his brother, Tony and his wife Amanda; and his aunt, Tillie Martinez, all of Albuquerque. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael.
He is survived by three children: his daughter, Geraldine Hays and her husband Jason and their children Samantha and Derek of Phoenix; his son, Zachary Otero of Phoenix; and his son, Alex Otero of Phoenix, Ariz., and Alex's daughter Elena of Farmington.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank to the Jack H. Otero memorial fund.
Jack will forever be in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him. Jack's life will not be measured by the short time he was with us, but by the love and friendship he gave us, a gift that will last forever in the hearts and memories of those that were fortunate to know and love him. He will be missed by his parents, brother and sister, sons and daughter, grandchildren, aunt and cousins, friends and colleagues, and anyone who was lucky enough to call Jack Otero their friend. We love you, Jack.
A funeral Mass for Jack at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2100 E. 20th St. in Farmington. There will be a reception at the church afterward.
Jack's care is entrusted to the Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at serenityandcompany.com.