Jim Di Santo

1933 - 2022

BORN

1933

DIED

2022

About

La Salle University University of Utah

Jim Santo Obituary

James DiSanto was born on April 9, 1933 and died on April 24, 2022.

Born to Bartel and Mary DiSanto in Perth Amboy, NJ where he lived with his family until he attended the University of Utah. While in college, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Drafted in 1956, he served in the US Army with the 10th Mountain Division stationed in Germany until 1958.

Upon his return, he met Jackie Richards at the University of Utah, and they were married in1959. He began a career in the financial field, which took them to several locations, eventually ending up living in Santa Barbara, California for 37 years, where they raised their three children. In 1971 Jim received a Bachelor of Law degree from La Salle University and began a 20+-year career at Santa Barbara Bank and Trust. During that time, Jim was an active community member, founding the Santa Barbara chapter of UNICO International, an Italian service organization as well as serving as chairman of the University of California-Santa Barbara Affiliates. He also taught business courses at Santa Barbara Community College.

In 1998, Jim and Jackie retired and moved to Durango, Colorado. Where Jim served as the president of the Board of Directors at the Durango Arts Center from 1999-2001. When not engaged in community work, Jim and Jackie developed their love of the high country by four-wheel exploring Southwest Colorado and Utah. Jim had a passion for the narrow gauge train and built a miniature replica of the Silverton train station, which is on display at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. He filled his time designing and creating needlepoint, possessing a curious mind he was also avid reader.

Jim was a committed husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife Jackie, sons Steven (wife Jules Masterjohn) and Michael (wife Mouchette van Helsdingen), daughter Suzy (husband David Schultz), Grandchildren, Morgan, Mia and Rosie.

A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy Hospice House of Durango.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on May 7, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Santo

6 Entries

John Parodi

July 1, 2025

While I've not had the honor, nor have been in contact with Jim or Jackie, i remember them with great fondness.
I was frat brother of Jim and Jackie was our much deserved queen.
I've not seen nor heard from them for decades , but they remain in my fondest memories.
Buon Viaggio Jimmy!

John Parodi

Colleen Campbell

April 27, 2025

I just heard of Jim's passing this past week from John Parodi. I met Jim while he was dating Jackie...and knew Jackie since we were in high school. We were best of friends for years - Jim was such a delightful friend - they were a great couple. As they were preparing their move to Durango, we lost touch with each other. Even tho this is 3 years late, I want Jackie and family to know I miss both Jim and Jackie. If by chance you happen to learn of my message Jackie, I'd love to hear from you. My email address was added, and my phone number is 714-895-6110. I would love a surprise call from you!
With many fond memories...Colleen - xoxo

Katherine Rose

September 22, 2023

I remember days at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust back in the mid 1970s to 1980s & what a remarkably kind man he was. He was always so considerate & helpful to me at work, and I remember all of the wonderfully good times we shared in the work environment - so much a gentlemen in his treatment of coworkers. He always had time to chat and had such a great sense of humor. I remember, too, his great love for his family, especially his wife, Jackie. I remember running into him several times in downtown SB after we both had left the bank, and he genuinely seemed glad to see me. I miss his friendship and broad smile, and that wonderfully full head of wavy hair! My sincere condolences to the entire DiSanto family.

Geri Mulligan

June 27, 2022

what a lovely gentleman!! loved our visits when he came into the newsstand for his daily papers. peace to all his family

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Louise Edwards

May 15, 2022

Thinking of all of you with so much love. Feel blessed that I got to know Jim through Suzy and Steven. Have sweet memories of family meals, great conversation and lots of laughter. Huge hugs from Seattle!

Sally and Jerry Smith

May 14, 2022

What an amazing life and an even more amazing man! Although we only had the pleasure of three years with Jimmy, it was our honor to know and love him. What a shining example of a life well lived. Love him so.

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