Service Details
Mass of Christian Burial for James will be held at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Avenue, Racine on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 10:30AM. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 4:00PM- 6:00PM, and also on Monday from 9:00AM until the time of Mass. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy, 32 following Mass.
James (Santiago) Castañeda of Racine, Wisconsin passed away suddenly on July 12, 2023 at his residence. He was 94 years old. Known to most as Jim or Jimmy, he was born to parents Pablo and Francisca Castañeda on November 27, 1928 in Pearsall, Texas – firstborn of ten children.
In the 1940s, the Castañeda family worked during the spring to fall seasons migrating north, harvesting the many crops from Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, and ending in Minnesota. At age 17, Jimmy made the decision to remain in Racine to seek regular employment. As he was the eldest, his mother decided that their whole family would stay in Racine. During the late 1940s there was a sizable Mexican and Tejano (Texans of Mexican descent) population between Chicago and Milwaukee. On weekends there were many dancing halls featuring bands and orchestras. Santiago loved to dance. Often, he and his friends would go to the dance halls. His friends would drink at the bar and he would dance. One night he met his future wife at a dance. She was with her musician brother and their aunt as chaperones. In 1950, Jimmy was drafted into the army to serve in the Korean War, and after training, he married his favorite dancing partner, Helen Juarez of Racine at Holy Name (now St. Richards) in 1951. He was shipped out to the front later that year. Ultimately, he served as Staff Sergeant and Tank Commander with the 179th Tank Company, 45th Infantry Division of the Oklahoma National Guard. In July of 1952, his tank came under heavy artillery and he was wounded. By October of 1952 he had recovered from his injuries and received an honorable discharge. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until 2005 that the U.S. Military finally agreed to award him a Purple Heart.
After Korea, Jimmy pursued and apprenticed as a machinist, studied some college courses related to the trade, and eventually became a Tool and Die maker. He went on to work at American Motors / Chrysler in Kenosha, WI. While at American Motors, during the 1960’s, he noticed he was the only person of color in all of the skilled trades. He and another man compiled a list of qualified Hispanic and African Americans who had submitted applications but were never accepted. Jimmy told a reporter about the situation and asked him to join him at the next union meeting. When the reporter asked the union officer why there were so few people of color in the trades, the reply was “No one has applied!” Jimmy stood up and gave the list of qualified candidates to the union officer. Of course the incident appeared in the newspaper, and American Motors was not pleased! Years later, Jim was awarded with the AMC Ambassador of the Year Award, along with a few other recipients, for his community service. He and Helen were flown to Detroit to accept the award. Many years later, American Motors asked Jim to assist in developing bilingual plans to help non-English speakers learn trade skills. He was given a leave of absence to help associate degree students learn about the machine trades and how to use the tools.
Jimmy was active in many community activities. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, he and Helen spent many years working with recently arriving Hispanic immigrants for the Catholic Missions at St. Lucy’s Church. Jim was a member of Racine’s Southside Revitalization Committee, an advisor to Congressman Les Aspin, and a member of the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights (Racine), He was also a board member of the Racine Spanish Center, a member of Mexican American Political and Educational Committee, the Latin Business Group of Racine, a board member of the Urban League, and various other organizations. In the mid 1970’s Jim was the manager of ARCO Manufacturing. On November 7, 2013 Jimmy and Helen were awarded Hispanic Family of the Year from United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS). After Jimmy and Helen retired they traveled the world together, visiting many countries over the years.
Jimmy played baseball when his children were young and he was instrumental informing a Hispanic youth baseball team in Racine. He has also been an active member in senior bowling leagues for many years (including this past season), and his recent bowling average of 125 was amazing considering his age and sight challenges. He loved golfing. He was an expert dartball player, even with limited eyesight. On July 4th of this year Jimmy beat one of his many grandsons in a cornhole competition. Jim loved spending time with family and friends, and loved to share his passion for music. He would break out his guitar (ukulele, accordion, or keyboard) and sing whenever he had the chance. He loved playing with family members and friends. Jim also loved to dance! Jimmy and Helen were winning dance competitions on cruises when they were in their eighties! They taught their friends and their children to dance Mexican folk dances on stages throughout Racine County.
In his later years, Jimmy would tell everyone, “Whatever you do, don’t get old.” He certainly didn’t pay attention to his own words, living a long and fulfilling life! James P Castañeda is survived by his loving wife Helen of Racine, his nine children; Marie Christina Castañeda (Greg Padgett) of Wind Point, WI., Bob Castañeda (Nancy Forbes Castañeda) of Racine, WI., David Castañeda (Kathy Floch-Castañeda) of Racine, WI., Tony Castañeda of Madison, WI., Lucy Castañeda Esterson (Scott Esterson) of Agoura Hills, CA., Patricia Castañeda Tucker (Michael J Tucker) of Madison, WI., Tim Castañeda of Ocala, FL., Mark Castañeda (Priti Misra-Castañeda) of Dania Beach, FL., and Laura Castañeda of Oak Creek, WI. Jim ‘s surviving siblings are; Margie Ramirez, Paul Castañeda (Lupe), Jesse Castañeda (Marta), Mary Malacara (Castañeda), Louisa Adsit (Castañeda), Rudy Castañeda (Rosa), and Yolanda Castañeda. There are over 25 beloved grandchildren; Emily Ross (Tony), Christian Castañeda (Leni), Sarah Castañeda (Jim Wiggs), Katie Castañeda (Jaime Garcia) and Amber Parker; Anna Castañeda (Kurt Weiss), James Castañeda (Kayla Johnson Castañeda), Alissa Castañeda, JosephCastañeda; Justice Castañeda, Sonja Castañeda-Norman (Daniel), Airto Castañeda-Cudney, Jonah Castañeda-Barry, Feliz Castañeda and Christina Will and Scarlet Verdico; Carina Meyer (Bret), Michelle Poss (Jeff), Maya Tucker and Michael Tucker; Timothy Castañeda, Arisel Castañeda, Nino Castañeda, and Chris Lugo; Francisco Castañeda, Khushboo Castañeda; Gabriela Martin (Gabe), Madeline Hutchinson, Hannah Hutchinson, and 25 adorable great-grandchildren and Jimmy and Helen’s special family friend, Ron Salinas of Madison. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; Pablo and Francisca Castañeda, and siblings, Victoria (Vicky) Barela and Micaela (Micky) Jimenez.
Mass of Christian Burial for James will be held at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Avenue, Racine on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 10:30AM. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday, July 23 from 4:00PM – 6:00PM, and also Monday from 9:00AM until the time of Mass. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy. 32 following Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin, 1624 Yout Street, Racine, WI 53404 (www.vowvillages.com).
Diane Chernouski says
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences from the Chernouski Family. May your beautiful memories carry you through this difficult time.
Mary Jane Saldana says
Helen and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Jimmy was a warm person who always made people feel comfortable. He will be missed
Jesus GarciaJr. says
You will be missed. You are a mentor to a lot of young people, myself included. May God bless. Celebrating your new life.
Maria Avila-Morales says
A great man has joined our angels in heaven, he will be sadly missed by who knew. him. Maria Avila-Morales
Lisa Floch Gilvary says
Dear Helen and Family,
Mike and I offer our heartfelt sadness and condolences. We were so fortunate to know Jimmy, and all of you, for these many years. Jimmy was always so kind, and funny, and cared so much for others, as his obituary shows so well. His memory lives on in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. May God bless and comfort all of you.
Love,
Lisa (Floch) and Mike Gilvary
Jim & Chris Coe says
Bob, my condolences to you and the family. Your dad sounded like a very hardwoking and succesful man in everything he did. And also a loving father! May he Rest in Peace.
John (Spatz) and Pat Bordsen says
An all-around fine and accomplished man and an inspiration to all.
Chuck Meininger says
Paul, so sorry to read of your brother passing. My deepest condolences to the entire Castaneda family.
Ronaldo salinas says
I can’t stop loving you chago
I’ve made up my mind.
To live in memories
Of the lonesome times.
I can’t stop wanting you
Itz useless to say.
So I’ll just live my life,
In dreams of yesterday.
Chago n I would play this song (I can’t stop loving you/ray charles) over n over. He would sing in English n Spanish. N he would play the instrumental part differently half the time. Such inspiration he was. missing him deeply is such an understatement. So much to say, so little the space.
Luv n tenderness
Ronaldo
Alice Sanchez says
R.I.P. Mr. Castaneda 🌹🙏✝️ my deepest Condolences to the entire Family. ❤️
Mij Byram (Feucht) says
Generous, joyous, loyal and loving are only the tip of the iceberg.
His legacy will make the work a better place for generations to come.
I am grateful to have known him.
My condolences to the family.
Tom Karkow says
From the family of Eloise Karkow, back in the Holy Nam e & Villa St days, condolences on the passing of a man who accomplished so much during an amazing life. So much to remember. So many stories to tell. Keep his spirit alive.
Nino Castaneda says
An inspiration for a young Hispanic man proving that you can achieve many things when you are willing to. My grandpa’s a war hero and a civil servant of the highest degree. I wish I could’ve seen you one last time. I’ll always cherish found memories of you teaching me classical Spanish songs and our beach trips and vacations. You are an inspiration for me to do better and you always will be.
I wish I could take the last three years of my life back so I could’ve spent more time with you. Life’s short spend time with your loved ones.
I will do better because it’s what you would’ve wanted I love you grandpa rest in peace
David Buhler says
Condolences to the James Castaneda Family.
Such an accomplished man…I know he had a very full life. Also, I know he and his wife raised impressive children and grandchildren. How wonderful they all are!
That in itself speaks volumes about James. His Family is everything. And that legacy speaks volumes. You all are so blessed. As I told David- Keep your chin up during this sad time.
Mario and Shelley Molina says
To Helen and the family our deepest condolences. Jimmy lived a full and happy life surrounded by his loving family. He will be missed.
Charles T. Pfost says
Dear Bobby, my absolute condolences to you and your family. I apologize that I just found out your amazing father passed away. Peace to you, Nancy and the rest of your family during this time of grief. Namaste to you and your family.
Martin &Monica Lascon says
RIP Jimmy you will be truly missed by family and friends
The Herrera Family says
What an incredible legacy our family has! We are all blessed and grateful for the memories Jimmy shared with us! Wishing everyone peace and solace during this time.
Charles and Glorious Goldsmith Hicks says
Patty and Family: Our sincere condolences 💐 for your loss. It is heartbreaking to lose our precious loved ones at any age. Your Father was a gallant gentleman and full of fun and joy. Remember all of the wonderful times and memories now and forever.Charles and Glorious Goldsmith Hicks and Family
Albert Totero says
Bob and Castaneda family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marybeth Zuhlke says
Dear Helen and family,
Your husband was a talented and wonderful man. He will live on in the many wonderful memories you have of him.
With sympathy, love, and prayers, Marybeth Zuhlke
Barbara Wemmert Hyttel says
Helen, my sympathies to you and your family. Jimmy was one of the kindest people I had ever had the privilege of knowing. I am sure he snd my dad are playing dart ball in heaven.
Susan Capobianco says
My sincere condolences to the whole family.