James Michael Battaglia

James (Jim) M. Battaglia

  Jim Battaglia, 76, passed away peacefully at home in Corrales, NM, on October 24, 2025. He was born November 16, 1948, in Brooklyn, NY, to Anthony Battaglia and Mary Acuri Battaglia. Jim is survived by Robert Vargas, his spouse of 51 years; his sister, Joan Schweikart, and brother-in-law, George Schweikart; his sons, Dwayne and Marlon Battaglia; many nieces and nephews; and numerous caring friends and neighbors.

  Jim attended Long Island University in Brooklyn, where he earned a BS (Phi Beta Kappa) in education, and St. John’s University in Queens, NY, where he received an MS in education. He taught special education in the New York City public school system for 33 years, including 28 years in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Jim retired in 2002, and he and Robert moved to Corrales in 2004.

  Jim was passionate about the natural environment and animals. His interest in birds began with ownership of an exotic bird shop in Queens. In 2004, after moving to NM, Jim began to volunteer at the clinic of Wildlife Rescue (WR), Inc., in Albuquerque, caring for injured birds and other wildlife. Jim served as a clinic shift manager and a WR board member. He was also a mainstay of WR’s education programs, which use birds cared for by WR that cannot be released back into the wild because of a permanent injury to teach people about various bird species and the challenges facing wildlife. Over the years, Jim and the education birds visited countless schools, community events, senior centers, and other facilities. He eventually qualified for a governmental wildlife rehabilitator permit, which enabled him to legally house and care for birds at home until they could be released and to provide lifetime care for unreleasable birds. Jim and Robert have always had and loved pets, including dogs, cats, and birds. Jim is survived by Pee Wee, his service dog for the past 11 years.

  Jim’s cheeky sense of humor and talent for describing ordinary events hilariously delighted those who knew him. He was admired for his intelligence, tolerance, and generosity. One friend described him as “gruff on the outside but milk-chocolate sweet in the center.” Jim was adventurous and athletic and enjoyed hiking, running, tennis, and other sports. He was a spirited competitor in card and board games. Jim loved to travel. His favorite destination was Puerto Rico, but he and Robert also explored other Caribbean islands, Alaska, and the entire East Coast. With Pee Wee aboard, they took many trips in the Southwest in their RV.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Jim’s life is planned for next year on his birthday. Robert thanks the Corrales Fire Department for providing recent services to Jim. Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, or St. Felix Pantry, Rio Rancho, NM.