James V. Hogue

By: Andy McBride
Student Reporter
Los Alamos Daily Post

Fulltime Substitute Teacher Cowboy Jim, originally named James V. Hogue,  was renamed by Los Alamos High School Auto Shop Teacher Scott Pomeroy because of his Western attire.

Cowboy Jim was born in Mosca, Colo., and moved with his family to Dallas, Texas where his parents bought 50 acres of farmland. He lived there from 2nd until 11th grade. After that, he moved to Missouri and went to college at Missouri State University. Cowboy Jim then migrated to Chama where he worked with some Cajuns and learned how they talk. He also worked at Lufkin Zoo in Lufkin, Texas for 10 years.

“I had my share of reptiles including alligators,” Cowboy Jim said.

After he got bored working at the zoo, he went to work at a plywood mill in Camden, NJ. Then moved back to Fort Worth, Texas for seminary work, went back to college to get his PhD, and worked as intel for the Rio Rancho Electric Company.

“I would say my favorite job of all time was working at the zoo in Lufkin for I encountered once-in-a-lifetime experiences throughout working there,” Cowboy Jim said.

Afterward, Cowboy Jim became a pastor at the Church of Christ in northern New Mexico. He then became a Prison Chaplain in Missouri and while living there he buried his wife and in-laws, mother and brother.

Cowboy Jim went on to purchase a mobile home in Eagle Nest before becoming a full-time substitute teacher at Los Alamos High School.

“I enjoy working as a substitute teacher because of the lessons I get to teach different kids,” Cowboy Jim said in talking about the work he does.

During his free time, Hogue said he loves to ride horses or as he puts it … saddle up. He also likes to work in his metal shop.

Los Alamos High School Full Time Substitute Teacher James V. Hogue on a fishing trip. Courtesy photo