Jimmy Lee Pierce

Jimmy Lee Pierce—a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—passed away on May 15, 2026, at the age of 71. Born in Hobbs, NM, on June 10, 1954, to Chester and Gwen Pierce, Jim was a lifelong New Mexican who dedicated 49 years to a distinguished career in the oil industry.

Jim married the love of his life, Donna York Hayes, on September 21, 1976. Their journey took them from Hobbs to Artesia and back again as Jim rose through the ranks from a mechanic at Arco to a Superintendent for BP America. Even after his first retirement in 1995, Jim’s expertise was so valued that he continued for years as a consultant and later a salesman for DMC Oilfield Services, finally retiring for good in 2026.

Outside of work, Jim lived life at full throttle. Whether he was racing cars at the dirt track, snow skiing, or water skiing at the lake, he was always in motion. He was an avid outdoorsman who cherished hunting trips with his sons, Ronnie and Rodger, his granddaughter Ashton, and a close-knit circle of family and friends. He especially loved his hunting trips with George Hayes, Brian Heard, Don Owings, Shane Elliott and brother- in -law Tom, nephews Justin Siler, Toby Gladden and Tim Gladden. When not in the field, he could be found golfing, bowling, or camping, always surrounded by the people he loved.

Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years, Donna; his children, Jennifer Flewelling (Jared), Ronnie Hayes (Cherish), and Rodger Pierce (Francis); four grandchildren, Joey Tabares, Bailey Tabares, Ashton Hayes (Duncan Elliott), and Kandice Pierce; and four great-grandchildren, Aria Tabares, Eva Tabares, Ava Tabares, and Theodore Tabares. He also leaves behind his brother Gary, of Folsom California, a sister Chris (Ron) Carlsbad NM, and a large extended family of in-laws Brother-In-law Tom York, Sisters-In-law Patty Siler and Paulie Gladden, and several nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Gwen Pierce.