Jim S. Saldana

Jimmy Santos Saldana, age 62 of Grafton, ND passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at First Care Health Center, after battling a chronic illness.

Jimmy was born January 19, 1960 to the late Jose Saldana and Maria Santos Guzman in Carrizo Springs, TX.  Jimmy attended school in Marlette, MI and Crystal City, TX.  He then joined his father’s trucking company and traveled the country.

In 1979, Jimmy married the love of his life, Annette Surita.  He and Annette went on to have four children.  Jimmy was a farm laborer for several farmers in rural Walsh and Pembina County.  He was currently employed at Midwest Fabrication as a truck driver.  Jimmy enjoyed his large garden and being outdoors.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren: he had a silly nickname for all 14 of them!

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 41 years, Annette; daughters: Vanessa (Travis) Vondal and Valerie (Arthur) Gardner; sons: Jimmie Jr.  (Amanda Saenz) and Deion Dre (Brianna Narvais); 14 grandchildren; siblings: Jose Saldana, Julia Lira, JoAnn Mendez, Lori Saldana, and Sylvia Moctezuma.  He is preceded in death by his parents; sister: Juanita Sepeda; grandchildren: D’Angelo and DeAndre Saldana, and father-in-law, Oscar Surita.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 31, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton, ND.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.