Clifford “Jay” Tinnin, 74, passed away June 23, 2026. Born in Moriarty, NM he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1973. He retired after 20 years as a Technical Sergeant (E-6).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Vernon “CV” and Doris (Irvin); siblings, Omer Floyd, Leslie Wayne, and Frances Lorene; and his infant son, Clifford Martin.

Jay is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janet (Rockwell); son, Michael Rockwell and wife Tania (Suarez) Rockwell; daughter, Elizabeth; grandchildren, Sarai Villa and significant other Brandon Sweeney, Shiara Villa, Mercedez Rockwell, Tiana Zimmerman, Kaleb Rockwell, and Clifford Norman; adopted granddaughter, Natasha Nullius and husband Aidan Randel; great-grandchildren, Zariyah Sweeney and Wolfram Del Mar; siblings, Donna Lea McGinnis, Edgar Allen and Leonard Paul; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A private military honors service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery for family and close friends, with interment to follow at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association in honor of Jay’s battle with service-related lung disease.