Jim P. Gentry

Jimmy Paul Gentry was born on Feb. 22, 1930, in Yuma, Arizona, to Henry George and Hettie Belle (Bagby) Gentry. He graduated from Portales (NM) High School in 1948 where he was a member of the State Championship basketball team. After High School, Jim joined the Army and served on active duty for 5 years advancing in rank from Private to Captain. He served with the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division in Japan and Korea during the Korean War. During the later part of his military service he was an Infantry Company Commander.

After being discharged from the Army, Jim attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Later he earned a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma, and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois.

Jim moved to Carlsbad in 1957 where he taught Mathematics at Carlsbad High School. In 1964, he accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Mathematics at NMSU-Carlsbad where he taught for 27 years. He retired from NMSU-C in 1991 as Professor Emeritus.

After retirement, Jim was an active volunteer at the Carlsbad Community Kitchen for 10 years. He was also an avid trout fisherman, golfer and gardener.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; H.G. and Joe Gentry; and his daughter, Paula Lynn Gentry. Survivors include his best friend and mate for life, Karen P. Gentry of Carlsbad; son, Mike Gentry and his wife, Missy, of The Woodlands, TX; four grandchildren; Rebecca Callaway, of Albuquerque; Shea Gentry and his wife, Andrea, of Midland, TX; Cale Gentry, of Boulder, Colorado; Kade Gentry, of The Woodlands, TX; two brothers, Dale Gentry of Stratford, OK and Sam Gentry of Reeds Spring, MO.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

Carlsbad Community Kitchen

402 South Alameda Street

Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220