James A. Santillan

1930 - 2019

James A. Santillan, age 88, born July 25,1930 passed away on January 4, 2019, in Sacramento. He was the husband of Maria Elena Santillan. They shared nearly 63 years of marriage together. Born in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. He was an entrepreneur and pioneer in Sacramento working as a Spanish language announcer in radio and television. He later owned a restaurant, nightclub and numerous movie theaters, including the historic Colonial Theatre, featuring Spanish language movies. A member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Edad de Oro, the Masons, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Mexican Patriotic Society of Sacramento. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love for his family, and for promoting Mexican culture in the community, and mentoring young radio announcers. He is survived by his loving wife, Maria Elena; and his children, James Santillan, Salvador Santillan, Alma Santillan; his 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchil-dren; and his sister, Juana Ortega. He was predeceased by an infant son, Felipe. A rosary and funeral mass will be held at St. Mary Funeral Center and Cemetery at 6509 Fruitridge Rd., Sacramento, on January 15. Viewing at 9:00 am, rosary at 10:30, Mass at 11:00 am with a graveside service at the cemetery. A celebration of his life will follow at 1:30 at the Colonial Theatre, 3522 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento.