Andrew Palmer

The life of Andrew Jim Palmer was one of dedication and service. His parents, Lillie Mae and Hobson Palmer, knew that when he was born on December 28, 1922 in Murphy, Texas.

Jimmy, as he was known to most, spent most of his childhood days in McKinney, Texas, where he graduated from Douglas High School. On February 7, 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy and served until Dec. 7, 1945, when he was honorably discharged. On December 8, 1945, one day following his stint in the service, he moved to Hobbs, N.M., where he immediately found work in the oil fields. Four years later in June, 1949, he sought to continue his education under the G.I. Bill, and enrolled in vocational school, where he completed coursework in June 1951, earning him a certificate in budgeting and business accounting.

On March 15, 1951, three months prior to graduation from the vocational school, Jimmy Palmer was hired by the Hobbs Police Department. From there, he rose in rank, until he became Chief of Police. His time line includes:

1953 - Completes first course in Basic Police Procedures 1954 - Promoted to the rank of senior policeman

1957 - Competes and advanced to the rank of lieutenant 1960 - Upgraded to the rank of Captain

1960-1966 - Functioned in various capacities such as investigator, special investigator and assignment officer for security of protection of distinctive dignitaries, and served as purchasing and head communications officer

1966 - Completed update in general police procedures

1967 - Completes course in Human Relations and Personnel procedures

1968 - Attends Southwestern Legal Foundation at Southern Methodist University and seminar on juvenile detention at Eastern New Mexico University

1971 - Receives a certificate for completion of course in j ail administration 1972 - Completes coursework in managerial and supervisory principles conducted by the Frye Consultants of Chicago, Ill. During this time frame, Palmer also serves as Interim Chief of Police

1973 - Attends specialized school in police management at New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy. Appointed by Chief Rae D. Neal to the rank of Major, where he was second in command

1975 - Appointed Police Chief

1978 -- Retires from the Hobbs Police Department

In 1946, Andrew Jim Palmer met and fell in love with Eddie Mae Palmer. They united in marriage on April 9, 1946. This marriage of 37 years produced seven children.

On Monday, March 5, 2007, Andrew Jim Palmer, ended his life's journey in Hobbs, where he had seen and helped to institute many positive changes for all people. He joins his loving ancestors and siblings who preceded him in death - his parents; a brother, Thomas Palmer; and three sisters, Paula, Earlese and Betty.

Left to remember his beautiful life are his sister, Lucy Nance of Clovis; four lovely daughters, Gwendolyn Palmer and Karen A. Edwards, both of Hobbs, Thresser J. Bryant and husband, Stephen of Odessa, TX., and Valerie Palmer of Canyon, TX.; three handsome sons, Donald Palmer and wife, Debra of EI Paso, TX., Kenneth Palmer and wife, Gina of Hobbs, and Ronald Palmer of Odessa; 36 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation

Chapel of Hope
3321 N. Dal Paso
Hobbs, NM  88240
Sunday, March 11, 2007
1:00 to 8:00 pm

Service

Memorial Service

Taylor Street Church of Christ
216 E. Taylor
Hobbs, NM  88240
Monday, March 12, 2007
10:00 am

Memorial Contributions

NM Boys and Girls Ranches
PO Box 5000
Boys Ranch, NM  87002