Santiago "Jimmy" Romero

Santiago "Jimmy" Romero passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, surrounded by his family. He was born in Vadito, New Mexico on March 14,1930, to Margarito and Elvira Romero. He often told stories of his life growing up in Vadito. As a boy he loved watching cowboy movies and singing cowboy songs. As a young teenager he headed to Wyoming where he became a ranch hand. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army. After basic training, he was immediately sent off to the Korean War. He had only been there six days when he was severely wounded. Upon being rescued, he wasn't expected to survive. Miraculously he made it through the night and was sent to Tokyo, Japan for immediate care. Shortly after, he was flown to San Antonio, Texas where he spent the next six months recovering from his injuries. He was a survivor. Later, he was awarded two Purple Hearts for his courageous efforts. Jimmy overcame numerous health issues in his life as a result of his injuries that he sustained during the war. Upon returning home, he met Blanche. They began courting and were soon married. Jimmy and Blanche were blessed with six children; three boys and three girls. Jimmy went to carpentry school and worked as a seasonal firefighter with the Tortuga Firefighters of Penasco. Then he started working at Sipapu Ski Resort where he performed a variety of jobs. In the summer he maintained the facilities and, in the winter, he worked as a ski lift operator and eventually became the ski shop manager. This was the perfect job for him because he loved spending time outdoors. He loved skiing, fly fishing and visiting with the skiers and tourists. Later he worked as a meter reader with his beloved Blanche. Jimmy and Blanche were very involved members of their community and their church, St. Anthony's Catholic Church of Penasco. They spent their time visiting sick and elderly community members. They assisted with communion to homebound church members and were involved in the choir. They were padrinos to numerous babies in the community including their oldest granddaughter, Amy. He loved his family and took pride in his ancestors. He spent a lot of time with his grandchildren taking them on trips to Taos, snowmobiling, motorcycle riding, and taking them to church activities. But his great-grandchildren were the apple of his eye. Jimmy was full of life. He was very social and had so many good friends. He made friends of all ages everywhere he went. He loved talking to people and telling jokes. He had a great sense of humor. He was also very talented. He played several instruments including the maracas, the guitar, the accordion and the piano. He also loved to sing and yodel. Many of his famous songs that we all know and love came from the old cowboy songs he used to listen to growing up. He also loved corridos and would often blast his music early in the morning. Jimmy was also smart. Many people loved talking with him because he could clearly remember stories and events from the past. He kept a daily journal for the last 65 years of his life. He will be greatly missed. He was not only the heart of his family, but the heart of his community as well. Santiago "Jimmy" Romero was preceded in death by his beloved wife Felicita Blanche Romero, his daughter C. Esmeralda, his parents Margarito and Elvira Romero, brothers Onecimo and Donaciano Romero, sisters Senaida Romero, Martina Lucero, and Mary Ortiz. He is survived by his five children; daughters Carmen Dominguez and husband David of Santa Fe, Conchita Fields and husband Ronald of Rio Rancho, sons, Santiago Romero Jr. and wife Donna of Albuquerque, Paul Romero and wife Theresa of Cave Creek, Arizona, and Patrick Romero and companion Sara Unale of Bernalillo. Thirteen grandchildren; Amy Dominguez, Michelle Gutierrez and Jaime, Margaret Aragon and Jerin, Amara and Sorayah Romero, Chris Dominguez and Melanie, Allen Dominguez and Jessica, Dennis Romero, Daniel and Claudette Romero, Matthew Fields, Lemuel and Johanna Vonhentschel, James and Martha Chavez. Fifteen great-grandchildren; Keith, Marisa, Isaiah, Ava, Dominic, Valerie, Angelica, Daniel, Marcos, Fabian, Jorden, Exsavior, Matthew, Olivia, and Cameron. He was blessed to have a great-great granddaughter, Evelyn. He is also survived by his brother Richard Romero and wife Marie and his niece, Helen Lucero, who he thought of as a sister, and his wife's family along with numerous relatives and friends. A special thanks to all of his caregivers, doctors, nurses, and Presbyterian Hospice for all of your love, patience and support. Due to the circumstances of Covid-19, private services will be held. A celebration of his life will take place in the near future. Arrangements entrusted to the caring professionals of: Riverside Funeral Home of Santa Fe 3232 Cerrillos Road (505) 395-9150