John W. Gillespie

February 9, 1966 - September 12, 2026

60 years old

John W. Gillespie, 60, a longtime resident of Las Vegas, NM and Springer, NM passed away Saturday September 12th, 2026 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

John leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Valerie; Two children: John Gillespie Jr., and Jamie Gillespie (husband Eric Larson); Grandchildren: Hailey Larson (his monkee), Landon Larson (his bambino), Noah Larson (his toogie tots), and Elijah Larson (his little man); Parents: Walter Gillespie, and Mary Gillespie; Brothers: Chris Gillespie (Rebeca), Carl Gillespie (wife Carla), and Kurt Gillespie  (wife Kimberly); Father-in-law: Cayetano Gurule; Brothers-in-law: Mike Gurule (wife Jaimie), and Chris Gurule; Brother Ronald Shane (wife Diane); Nieces and nephews: Cayetano Gurule, Alejandrea Gurule, Abigail Gurule, Liam Gurule, Junior Joe, Lilly Joe, Mary jakubik, David Gillespie, Curtis Gillespie, and Aiden Gillespie; and numerous other family members and friends.

John was born February 9th, 1966 in Plainwell, MI, grew up in Otsego, MI, and graduated in Stevensville, MI. He served in the United States Air Force from 1984-1986. Aside from his wife and children John dedicated his life to the New Mexico State Penitentiary.

He achieved the rank of LT from NM Department of Corrections in Santa Fe, NM and in October of 2016, he retired as Administrative Law Judge for the Department of Corrections at Springer Correctional Center. 

Everyone that knew him, knew that he had several hobbies and was one of the kindest people you’d ever meet. One of his favorite things in the world was cars. He loved watching Nascar, working on vehicles, and building models and legos. 

John will forever be loved and missed by many, and will never be forgotten.

Services for John will be held in Las Vegas, NM, at Immaculate Conception Church on Friday September 25th, 2026. Rosary will be conducted at 9 am and the funeral mass at 10 am. Burial of cremains will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. 

Urn bearer’s will be his son-in- law Eric Larson and 

4 grandchildren  Hailey, Landon, Noah, and Elijah.