Santiago Duran

Retired Master Sergeant Santiago “Jimmy” Duran was born on March 28, 1935 and unexpectedly left this world on November 22, 2023 to join his loving wife. He is survived by his children Veronica (Rudy) Rubio, Dr. Jaime Betancourt (Arcenia) Duran, Venessa Sloan, and Retired Staff Sergeant Omar Betancourt Duran, and grandchildren, Adrian Duran (Clarissa) Rubio, Andrew Duran (Marlene) Rubio, Amanda Celeste (Mason) Leist and Anna Maria Rubio, Gabriela Alexandra (Hunter) McCall, Adriana Sofia Duran, Jordan Christopher Sloan, Cameron Jacob Sloan, Logan Mendoza Duran, Katelyn Duran and four great-grandchildren, Sofia, Ezequiel, Ezra, and Jude Santiago.

His is also survived by his brother David (Irma) Duran and sisters Paula Sauceda, Lupita (Artemio) Cano, Connie Tuggle, Aurora (Larry) Garza and Teresa Longoria. Preceding him was his wife of 61 years Maria Angelita Betancourt Duran, his parents Santiago and Refugia and his brother Joe Garza.

Santiago joined the United States Army in August 1, 1960 and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant.

His military career spanned 22 years and included the Vietnam, Panama, South Korea, Germany and various U.S. military installations. He received the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal.

Following his retirement in 1981 he became a JROTC Instructor at Weslaco High School and PSJA High School. He was proud to have aided in the creation of Progresso High School's JROTC program. As a JROTC instructor, he inspired scores of students through his enthusiastic, inclusive and positive manner. He touched countless young lives and witnessed innumerable students succeed. Cheering his cadets on and having them believe in their abilities was his passion.

His pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and the great love of his life, his wife, Angie. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and by the many people he touched throughout his lifetime. He firmly believed it didn’t take much effort to be kind to people and found it so simple to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He will be remembered as a dedicated husband, beloved father, loving son, and brother.

A visitation for Santiago will be held Sunday, December 3, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 26873 N. White Ranch Road, La Feria, Texas 78559. A funeral mass will occur Monday, December 4, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 502 S Canal Street, La Feria, Texas 78559. A burial will occur Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, 2520 Inspiration Rd, Mission, TX 78572.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heavenlygracergv.com for the Duran family.