Jerry Apodaca

Raymond S. "Jerry" Apodaca (October 3, 1934 – April 26, 2023) was an American politician. He served as the 24th Governor of New Mexico from 1975 through 1979.^[1]

Jerry Apodaca
Chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
In office 1978–1980
President	Jimmy Carter
Preceded by	James A. Lovell
Succeeded by	Al McGuire
24th Governor of New Mexico
In office January 1, 1975 – January 1, 1979
Lieutenant	Robert E. Ferguson
Preceded by	Bruce King
Succeeded by	Bruce King
Member of the New Mexico Senate
In office 1966-1974
Personal details
Born	(1934-10-03)October 3, 1934 Las Cruces, New Mexico, U.S.
Died	April 26, 2023(2023-04-26) (aged 88) Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Clara Apodaca
Profession	Insurance Businessman
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Marine Corps
Unit	Reserves

Apodaca graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1956 with a bachelor of science degree, he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Apodaca would later enter the insurance business.^[source?]

On April 26, 2023, Apodaca died in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from problems caused by a stroke. He was 88.^[2]

Honours and awards

The New Mexico Department of Education, which was previously was known simply as the Education Building, was later renamed Jerry Apodaca Building to honor the former governor in 2004.

Known for his reorganization of state government, President Jimmy Carter named him the chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness in 1978.^[3]