Johnny Albert Vigil

“Well done, good and faithful servant”. (Matthew 25:21)

Fly high, you are free of this disease now. Vaya con Dios, my love. We love you forever and always.

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”

Johnny died gently with his wife by his side after a long hard battle with a terrible disease. But as we know, the body grows tired and weary and Jesus calls one home in “His time.” Johnny fulfilled his earthly duty and is now in the arms of the Lord. Johnny fought the good fight and on July 30, 2026 he succumbed to complications of Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.

Johnny was an honest, funny, kind, generous and amazing man, a man of integrity in family, marriage, friendship and occupation. He touched so many lives and was such a good man. He lived a rich life full of fun and adventure. Every day was an adventure with Johnny.

We are deeply grateful to Mountain Villa nursing staff, CNAs, all of the staff who provided daily compassionate care.

Grateful to the Envision Hospice and all of the dedicated professionals who provided compassionate and tender care during his stay and during his final days…

Johnny was born on October 30, 1943 in Carrizozo, NM to Lloyd and Mabel Vigil. He is survived by his wife Irene---60 years. His greatest accomplishment and the one he was most proud of was raising three good children. If you want to size up a man’s character start by looking at his children.

Johnny spent 31 years of service with the United States Department of Agriculture. He attended New Mexico State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Biology. He began working for USDA in 1967 in El Paso, Texas. In 1970, he was on temporary assignment in Vietnam for pre-clearance of returning military equipment. By 1979, Johnny had been promoted to Assistant District Director in El Paso and by 1981, he was promoted to District Director. He held the position of Port Director for El Paso, covering a geographical area from Presidio, Texas to Santa Teresa, New Mexico. In addition to his duties in El Paso, Johnny served on many assignments and/or committees of National, Regional, and Local significance. He served on the National Performance Review work group for the southern border the Central Region’s Safety and Health Council, and Plant quarantine’s Overtime Review committee. He was appointed as the Central Region monitoring coordinator for the movement of Mexican avocados into the United States. He served as the Central Region Interdiction Coordinator and a member of the National Anti-smuggling committee.

Under Johnny’s direction, the Port of El Paso was recognized nationally for its innovative and progressive nature. He retired from USDA in 1998.

In 1999, he began working for the California Avocado Commission. He was responsible for monitoring the implementation of USDA’s Mexican Avocado Import Program and facilitating operation governing the export of California avocados to Mexico. He served as a liaison between the industry, state, and federal government officials and the California Avocado Commission. He worked for the California Avocado Commission for 10 years.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, Irene, Johnny is survived by his children; John (Grace), Evonne (Matt), and Lloyd

Two brothers: Pat (Jackie) and Sam (Alice). Grandchildren: John (Reagan), Nathan, Andrew, Garrett, Mother-in-law, Emma, Brother-in-law: Albert (Kathy). Sisters-in-law: Ida, Barbara (Bret), Lynette (Scott) Nephews & Nieces: Jeremy, Patrick B, Patrick V, Josh, Luke, Robert, Jessica, Erin, Michael Max, Sara, Brian, Kelli and numerous friends. Everyone Johnny ever met was his friend. He loved everyone. Johnny never met a stranger.

Services will be held at a later date with final resting place to be in New Mexico.