Obituary of Jimmie \ Troy Palmer

Jimmie Troy JT Palmer Sr. 28 August 1934 – 15 May 2014 Much loved and respected husband, father, soldier and longtime peace officer, passed away peacefully in his home after a long illness. He died as he lived, quietly, with no fanfare, his wife at his side, surrounded and supported by the love of family and dear friends. JT was born at home in Duncan, Oklahoma, on 28 August, 1934, the son of Homer Cedric Palmer and Essie Long Palmer, the second child in a family of five. JT, while still a youth himself, cared for his mother and raised his four siblings as though he were an adult. He then served his country in the United States Air Force as a paramedic during the Korean War. A soldier who strove always to save lives first, even in war, he carried these beliefs with him during a long career in law enforcement. Following his military discharge JT joined the Dallas County Sheriff's Department and served for many years under Sheriff James (Bill) Decker. As a deputy sheriff he served Dallas County during some of the most unsettling times in history of this country, maintaining both his integrity and the core values of a dedicated peace officer. The manner in which JT conducted himself in all aspects of his life has served as an example to those fortunate enough to have had him in their lives. A natural leader, he led by example, a calm man who committed heroic acts that saved lives with no thought for his own safety or for any recognition, the conduct of a true peace officer rarely seen outside of fiction. Following his retirement from Dallas County JT, a peace officer to the core of his being, continued his career in Nevada, Oregon and Washington State. A man most at home on a horse in the back country, during the last years of his life he enjoyed service in both enforcement and interpretation for both the Park Services as well as the Bureau of Land Management. He was also a volunteer coordinator for the Ghost Ranch in Abique, NM, where he was instrumental in the creation of a horse program. There is no doubt that he will be sorely missed by those fortunate enough to have ridden with and learned from him. He took great joy in caring for the land and wildlife alike and in passing on this heritage to future generations. In January 2012, JT was preceded in death by his eldest son, David Lee Palmer. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara Brunt-Palmer; his daughters, Betty Evangeline Bryant, and Jimmie Jean Morris; his son, JT Palmer Jr; seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. There are not enough words in the dictionary to do justice to this honorable, quiet, and modest man, not only what he was but also what he left behind, and we have used more than he would be comfortable with. Friends and family members he leaves behind will always suffer the loss, but we feel privileged to have known him and to have shared time with him. Burial to be held at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM on Thursday, May 29th at 2:00 PM. Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque, 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 764-9663.