Santiago Salutan Obituary

Santiago (Jimmy) Olvera Salutan, Sr.

July 15, 1947 - February 1, 2024

Santiago Jimmy Salutan, age 76 of Santa Maria, CA, passed away on Thursday February 1, 2024 at his home under the care of Hospice after a long illness surrounded by his family.

He was born in Santa Maria, CA on July 15, 1947, son to Santiago M. Salutan and Mary Olvera Salutan. He was raised on Point Sal Ranch in Guadalupe, CA. He attended Guadalupe Joint Union Elementary School from kindergarten to 8th grade. He graduated from Righetti High School in 1965. After High School, he enlisted into the United States Army 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions (The Screaming Eagle) training in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 serving one tour. His brother Eddie Salutan was stationed in Germany, in order to prevent Eddie from being deployed to Vietnam, Jimmy enlisted in a 2nd tour. He sent a photo of the bunker where he was living and on the reverse side was a note to his mother Dear Mom, this is my home it is really modern. Hey! This mansion is equipped with air condition every time the helicopter lands here. Having fun on my vacation in Vietnam. Love, Jim.

Jimmy was proud serving his country and received an honorable discharge.

He was a proud member of the Mid-Coast Veterans Alliance in Santa Maria, CA. He and his comrades had occasions to speak at different high schools sharing their stories and experiences. He spoke so proudly about how he served his country.

He was a member of the Foursquare Church in Santa Maria, CA.

He received his apprenticeship in welding in 1974 and was employed with Isamu (Sam) Minami's growing company working as a welder for 25 years and at Guadalupe Cooling Company.

He married his first wife Esther Segundo Fowler and had 2 children Pete and Lorraine, but always remained friends. With his 2nd wife Barbara Navarro Adams, he had 2 children Stevie and Mary Rose. After being a single parent for several decades, he married the love of his life, Rhona Tejada Salutan and blessed with 12 years of companionship traveling to the Philippine Islands and attending many gatherings. He enjoyed listening to her sing and would often say she has a beautiful voice.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents Santiago M. Salutan, Sr. and Mary Olvera Salutan, brothers Guadalupe, Romualdo (Paul) O. Salutan, Sr., and Edward (Eddie) O. Salutan and sister- in-law Donna Yates Salutan. He is survived by his wife Rhona and his siblings Rosalie (Bill) Marquez, Susie (Baker Figueroa) Escorzon, and Victor Salutan. His children Pete (Ivonne) Salutan and Lorraine (Jay) Salutan, Santiago (Stevie) Salutan Jr and Mary Rose (Chad) Domingues and his stepson Bonnieklien Bracken. 12 Grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary on Friday February 16, 2024, 9-9:30am Family Viewing; 9:30-11am Public Viewing; Service at 11am.

Burial to follow at the Santa Maria Cemetery in the new section at 12:30pm.

Join us for a Celebration of Life at the VFW. 200 E Battles Rd in Santa Maria at 2pm.

WHEN I MUST LEAVE YOU

When I must leave you for a little while.

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears.

And hug your sorrow to you through the years, But start out bravely with a gallant smile.

And for my sake and in God's name,

Live on and do all things the same.

Feed not your loneliness on empty days, But fill each waking hour in useful ways.

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near.

And never, never be afraid to die

For I am waiting for you in the sky.

Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.