Robert James Avila

Avila, Robert James

Robert James Avila (Bob) came to be on a cool day in Taos, NM on April 13, 1951 and Bob
passed away unexpectedly in Albuquerque on February 19, 2021.

 

Bob’s Dad, Pete Avila, passed when Bob was 14 years of age. For the next four years, Bob
experienced life in a manner that suggested a turnaround was required. The turnaround began
in 1972: Bob enrolled at the University of New Mexico. Bob graduated in 1976 focused on what
it would take to be accepted at UNM’s School of Law. Bob was accepted and he excelled as a
law student receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1979. Bob promptly prepared for and took the State
Bar exam and was admitted to the New Mexico State Bar in 1980. Bob practiced law at a
distinguished level as a sole practitioner for 40 years. His expertise in traumatic brain injury
cases and civil litigation were recognized. Bob was a fierce advocate for the underdog.

 

As a law student and in large part motivated by his own experience, Bob volunteered to help
young men and women facing legal and personal challenges. Bob elevated his commitment
becoming Chairman of the Board of Youth Development, Inc. (YDI.) Bob’s ever-present
commitment to YDI improved the lives of hundreds and hundreds of young men and women for
more than 35 years. Currently YDI helps more than 10,000 kids a year with a staff of 700 team
members. In 1990, Bob and Chris Baca co-founded YES Housing Inc with the goal of providing
affordable housing for families in Albuquerque. Today, YES Housing is perhaps the largest
nonprofit organization providing housing and services in the state of New Mexico.

 

Bob was interested in the Chinese culture and their martial arts. Bob first joined the Chinese
Culture Center and the martial arts school in 1974 but after being accepted into Law School he
could no longer commit to both. He joined again in 2002 and continued practicing martial arts
until 2016. While being involved with the CCC he started a lasting friendship with the owners of
the school and his teacher, Sifu Charles Lin and his wife, Synthia. Bob and his son Sterling were
close to most of the students and their many friends which were like a second family. Bob was
involved with Tai Chi, Qigong, and Kung Fu. He and Sterling also traveled to China with the
school in 2008 and 2012.

 

Many, many lives were enriched by Bob’s passion for justice, his unfailing humor and his
dedication to family and friends. Bob is survived by his beloved Trish, his sons Sterling(Amanda)
Avila and Ryan(Luisa) McGinnis; his stepchildren: Tina Santillanes, Matt(Nancy) Santillanes and
Jocelyn Santillanes; his brothers: Richard, Keith(Gail) and Wayne and his sister Darlene(Rod)
Quinn; his Aunt Lisha(Uncle Ed) Winters, Aunt Ramona Anglada, plus cousins, nieces,
nephews and his very loved ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Lastly, Bob is
survived by his many close friends in the legal community, his extended family, golfers, clients
and the families of all those Bob helped.

 

A celebration in recognition of Bob’s life will be held as soon as Covid restrictions allow.

The Family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all relatives and friends who were so kind and supportive during this time. Your kindness will always be remembered. 

Daniels Family Funeral Services
3113 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-884-1188