James Herbert Rixon, 55, of Farmington, passed from this life on Monday, May 1, 2017. James was born on Sept. 24, 1961, and raised in Farmington. James graduated from Farmington High School in 1980, and joined the U.S. Army; he served as a medic in the 82nd Airborne Division for three years before returning home. James re-enlisted in 1990, rejoining the 82nd for deployment to Desert Storm. He became an active member of the Hugh K. Gale VFW Post #2182 in Farmington, NM; where he served as Chaplain, and member of both the Honor and Color Guard. James began his Masonic career when he joined Animas Lodge #15 in Farmington in 2005, and was raised as a Master Mason in 2006. He affiliated with San Juan Lodge #25 in Aztec in 2007. He served as Worshipful Master of Animas Lodge #15 in 2010 and again in 2015. He was appointed Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons of New Mexico for 2017-2018. James was active in the Valley of Santa Fe, Orient of New Mexico as a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and was equally as active in the Farmington York Rite Bodies; as well as the New Mexico Grand York Rite Bodies, and various appendant, invitational, honorary, and side-order bodies throughout New Mexico. He was elected Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandry of Knights Templar of New Mexico for 2017.James was a member of the congregation at Cross Roads Community Church of the Nazarene in Farmington. His faith was well founded and unmovable; filling his soul with love and kindness. He was always ready and willing to contribute to the relief of a distressed individual in any way he was able; without judgement or thought of receiving anything in return. James was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Betty Rixon; and survived by his uncle and aunts, Dave and Betty Hewes, and Sylvia Hilliard; siblings, Joe and Patricia Rixon; nephews and nieces, Carl, Jeremy, Josh, Katelyn and Shanna Rixon, Austen and Jessica Carling; numerous cousins; also Ed Heim and Lorrie Ferguson. A celebration of his life will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 13 at Cross Roads Community Church, 2400 N. Butler Ave. in Farmington followed by burial at 10 a.m. in Greenlawn Cemetery, 1606 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, with military honors and a Masonic graveside service. In lieu of flowers; please make a donation to the funeral home to help offset expenses or in James' name to the . James' care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., Farmington. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at serenityandcompany.com.