Judy Tatum

Judy Tatum, 66, of Pima passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 after many years of battling cancer. Judy was born in Flagstaff, Arizona on October 21, 1947 to Jack and Arlene Jones. She grew up ranching in Southern Arizona, where she loved to ride, work the cattle and participate in the daily operations of the ranches, as well as always volunteering as an extra hand on neighboring ranches. Judy graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelors in Education. She met Joe Tatum at a roundup and they were married April 28, 1973 in Nogales, Arizona. She later returned to NAU and earned her Masters in Library Science. Judy was a lifelong educator, teaching in Payson, Arizona (3 years) and as school librarian for the Pima School District for the last 20 years. Judy was also a co-sponsor of the Pima FBLA, the Knowledge Bowl team, the National Honor Society, and she coached Tennis for over 10 years. Through her involvement with the school system, Judy encouraged hundreds of students to read, explore new fields, and to expand their horizons. In addition to giving her time, searching for just the right book to encourage a student to read, she also provided endless dozens of cookies and snacks after tennis practice and many meals to her students involved in all these activities. Judy was also actively involved in the Arizona Librarian Association, serving for several years on the selection committee for the Young Readers Awards program. In addition Judy and Joe ranched for several years in the Klondyke area as well as farming in Rodeo, New Mexico and currently farming in Pima, Arizona. Judy was also very involved in 4-H in the area, helping many members prepare their livestock for showing. Judy and Joe also have provided a home away from home for several young men during summers and school breaks providing meals, lodging and counseling. Judy is survived by her Husband Joe of Lizard Bump, Daughter Janice (Niles) and their daughter Skye of Goldsboro, North Carolina; Daughter JoLyn (Caleb) of Dayton, Ohio; her Parents Jack and Arlene Jones of Pima; and her Sister Jackie Hale of Duncan and nieces, Betsy and Jennifer Hale, Phoenix, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her grandmother Inez and her brother in law Bob. Services are Saturday, January 18, 2014, 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1020 S. 10th Ave; Safford, Arizona. In lieu of flowers contributions are requested for a memorial fund that will support students involved in the Pima High School FBLA and Knowledge Bowl organizations. Please contact the Pima Unified School District for more details.