J. Arthur "Archie" Sanchez

J. Arthur “Archie” Sanchez was born on August 29, 1936, in Huerfano County near Walsenburg to Melquiades and Emelina Sanchez and passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026.  He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Amelia Valdez, Ephram “Shorty” Sanchez and Ersie Pacheco.  He is survived by sister Nellie Pacheco.  The youngest of 5 surviving children spent his early years on the family farm before moving with family to Pueblo in 1947. Archie attended Columbian and Keating schools and graduated from Central High School in 1955, where he earned varsity letters in track.

Archie began dating Dorothy Esquivel during the Christmas season of 1957. They were married on January 2, 1960, and shared 64 happy years together. Together they raised and are survived by their three children: Sandra (Bobby Valentine), Ken (Sandy) and son Luke, and Shirley‑Anne Sanchez (Randy Lambkins). 

He continued his education at Pueblo Junior College, running track under Coach Jim “Spank” Blazing. One of the proudest moments of his life came in 1957, when he finished fifth in the mile at the NAIA championship. That achievement began a lifelong relationship with “his” coach and helped shape his future path as an educator, coach, and principal.

Like many of his generation, Archie served in the military. He completed Army Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served with HHB/2/157th Field Artillery of the Colorado Army National Guard and later with the 9530th U.S. Air Force Reserve Wing. During this time, he completed his college education, graduating from Adams State College in 1961 with a degree in education.

His career in education began in 1961 and spanned more than 40 years. Archie’s first positions were as a teacher and coach at Fountain and Risley, where he taught physical education and coached boys’ wrestling and track. In 1966, he moved to Central High School to teach social studies and serve as an assistant coach for football, basketball, and track.  Although he stepped away from classroom teaching and coaching in 1969, he remained a lifelong supporter of high school athletics and worked for many years as a CHASSA‑approved referee for basketball, wrestling, and track.   Beginning in 1969 Archie began the administration portion of his career.  For two years he worked in the District 60 program to help students stay in school with a work/study program.  Dividing his time between Central and East High Schools he coordinated with local employers and students he influenced many potential dropouts to finish their high school education. He was very proud of this work. 

In 1972, Archie earned a Master of Education from Adams State University and was appointed as assistant principal at Corwin Junior High. In 1974, he was appointed principal of Minnequa Elementary and later concluded his District 60 career as principal of South Park Elementary in 1993.  After retiring from District 60 he was offered to the opportunity to be the Administrator of the John Neumann Catholic Schools where he remained until the early 2000’s.  In retirement, he loved running into and reminiscing with former students.

Archie was active in his Catholic faith and serving on the St. Francis Xavier parish council and as an active member of the Knights of Colombus.  

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