James Lawrence Ardis

1ST SG (Ret), James Lawrence Ardis, 82, a Vietnam War veteran, passed away July 22, 2022, in Alburquerque, NM.

He was born June 28, 1940, in Neylandville, TX a rural town outside of Dallas, TX to Ruth Naomi Ardis. Shortly after graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served honorably in the U.S. Army Infantry division for 25 years achieving the rank of 1ST Sergeant. He was well respected by those who served with him. Throughout his military career his dedication and discipline has earned him many commendations, awards and medals including distinguished Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, and Vietnam Service Medal received while serving two tours in Vietnam.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and stepdad Melvin Davidson and two aunts who were a big part of his upbringing Ms. Caldonia Ardis and Ms. Homer Lee Jones. He leaves to cherish his memories, two daughters, Catherine Guy (Dedrick) of Mansfield, TX, Naomi Ardis (Jesus) of Alburquerque, NM; three step-daughters Michelle Tafoya of El Paso, TX, Patricia Tafoya of El Paso, TX, Suzanna Taylor (Jonathan) of Syracuse, UT; two step-sons Richard Tafoya of Alburquerque, NM and Oliver Tafoya (Lucy) of Las Vegas, NM; grandchildren Jayla, James, Juliana; step grandchildren; five first cousins whom he grew up with like siblings that knew him as “Johnny”, Fredia Anderson, Charlene Mitchell, Horace T. Jones, Roy Jones, Oliver Jones and a host of family and friends.

James enjoyed working on projects, because he was the type of person that would choose to repair something over buying a new one. He loved watching sports especially his favorite football team the Kansas City Chiefs and listening to his favorite R&B music spanning the 60s and 70s. His family and friends will remember him as someone who had incredible strength, resilience, courage, and determination and who will continue to carry on those qualities.

He was a definition of a Great American Hero, but he was our personal Hero. His wings were ready, but our hearts were not, and he will be forever loved and forever missed.

Graveside service with full military honors will be Monday, August 15th at 2:00pm at Sante Fe National Cemetery. There will be a visitation at Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505 from 12:30pm - 1:30pm. Pallbearers will be members of the military honor guard.