Former De Baca County resident inducted into New Mexico 4-H Hall of Fame
The late Jimmie Dee Fox of De Baca County was among the 10 4-H leaders and supporters inducted into the New Mexico 4-H Hall of Fame in July at New Mexico State University. The induction ceremony, which was held during the 4-H State Conference, included individual recognition for the inductees and a breakfast.
During the ceremony Jim Fox received the honor for his late daughter.
The hall of fame, established in 2002, honors 4-H members, volunteer leaders, fair superintendents, advisory board members, 4-H Foundation trustees and former faculty with NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service, which administers 4-H statewide.
"This is the highest honor we have to offer people who have provided support and service to 4-H members in New Mexico," said Rick Richardson, interim department head of the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service's 4-H Youth Development Program. "These individuals have given cumulatively more than 210 years of service to the New Mexico 4-H program. Including this group, we have inducted 195 individuals and couples into the hall of fame."
Fox was inducted along with Martha Sayles of Dona Ana County; the late Elmer Allen of Hidalgo County; Berniece Coriz, Debbie Manzanares and Alma "Skeeter" Schmitz, all of Rio Arriba County; Janie Hardin and Fran Welch, both of Roosevelt County; and Timothy and Charla Johnson of Sandoval County.
Fox served as a 4-H volunteer leader for 26 years in the same county where she grew up. She was a big promoter of 4-H, particularly with at-risk youth. She loved helping kids with their pig and steer projects, and helped many find equipment to get them started their first year.
The passion that Fox put into her work, and her dedication to community organizations, particularly the 4-H program, is missed since her death. Her involvement in the fair and contributions to the 4-H program have made an impact on all who knew her, and will last in the program for years to come.
