Josiah French 1907-2003

French

Josiah French ’29, long-time Las Cruces resident and New Mexico A&M graduate, died March 6 at age 95. French was born Aug. 25, 1907, in Las Cruces. He graduated from New Mexico A&M in 1929 with a degree in chemical engineering and endowed annual scholarships for students at the university. For 40 years he worked as the director of the mechanical testing section for the Gulf Oil Corp. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Rhetta.

James H. Prichard Jr. 1911-2002

Prichard

James H. Prichard Jr. ’31, a former Dona Ana County Commissioner, died Nov. 14, 2002, at age 91. Prichard, born Feb. 26, 1911, in Anson, Texas, was a dedicated member of the Aggie Booster Club for more than 25 years. He also was part of the promotion to build the Pan American Center and Aggie Memorial Stadium. He served with the U.S. Navy in WWII and was a member of the Las Cruces Lions Club for more than 53 years. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Cecile Mayfield, and son, J.T. Prichard.

Sandra Butler McGrath 1959-2003

Sandra Butler McGrath ’85, vice-president of Burger Time Restaurants, died Jan. 4.

McGrath, who was born in Las Cruces, was the secretary of the Burger Time Golf Tournament and an active member of the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Restaurant Association and the Animal Welfare League.

She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from New Mexico State. McGrath also was a Mayfield High School graduate.

John H. Phillips Jr. 1920-2002

John H. Phillips Jr. ’49, a member of the New Mexico National Guard, died Nov. 18, 2002.

Phillips, who was born in Las Cruces, was part of the 45th Infantry Division, the first division to be activated prior to World War II. He was promoted to the rank of Captain by 1945. In the Reserves, he obtained the rank of Major.

Phillips was a member of Mu Phi Pi, an honorary engineering society, lettered in golf and was listed in the 1947-1948 edition of “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.”

Jefferson “Jeff” James Isaacks 1919-2003

Isaacks

Jefferson “Jeff” James Isaacks, a former U.S. Air Force Officer, died Feb. 2. Isaacks, who was born in Las Cruces, learned to fly a plane while he was a student at New Mexico State University. He volunteered to serve in the Air Force when World War II began and was a flight instructor at Fort Stockton, Texas, before serving his tour of duty flying the “Hump” from India to Burma to China. He was also a rancher, farmer and businessman. Isaacks served on the EBID Water Board, the New Mexico State Fair Commission and was elected county tax assessor in 1963.

Robert John Tegmeyer 1930-2003

Tegmeyer

Robert John Tegmeyer, founder of RT Electric Inc., died Feb. 9 at age 72. Tegmeyer, born June 15, 1930, in Newark, N.J., studied engineering at New Mexico State University and went on to work as a technical engineer. His electrical contracting business, RT Electric Inc., employs more than 60 electricians in four western states. He was instrumental in founding the Las Cruces Independent Electrical Contractors Chapter. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis Glover, daughters Diane and Karen, and son, Kevin.