James Kenneth Santora

Jim Santora, 90, was born on September 13, 1932 and passed away on April 5, 2023. He spent all his life in the Spokane area. 

Jim was born to Viola (Carson) Santora and James Charles Santora. He had a sister, Joann Peters, who preceded him in death. He was married to Jean Santora for 25 years and they had three children.  His son Russell Santora passed away January 31, 2003. Jim is survived by son, Kenneth Santora (wife, Karen), and daughter, Deborah (Santora) Carlson (husband, Kurt).  Jim was also blessed to have 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, as well as a brother-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

In his youth, Jim had a paper route that helped him to pay his own way to attend Gonzaga Prep, from where he graduated. Later in life, he went to school to become a realtor which he dabbled in for several years and worked for 42 years at Kaiser Aluminum Mead Works as a brick mason.  While at Kaiser, he was one of the founding board members for the Kaiser Federal Credit Union.

Jim had many interests that all revolved around people.  By nature, he was an overall happy person. Jim was always smiling-which fit in well with 5 o’clock hour with family and friends at his Deer Lake Cabin. He enjoyed dancing with friends at the Eagles, working on projects with family and friends, and hanging out with his family.  He volunteered to rear 15,000 to 30,000 fish per year for Deer Lake for an over 30-year span. Jim also loved flowers. He always had an ample supply of flowers to beautify his surroundings.

Jim’s family would like to thank Brighton Court Memory Senior Care, Pine Ridge Memory Care and Spokane Hospice, for your care and kindness toward Jim and his family.