James Waldo Santos

A man of many passions, James Waldo Santos was born October 19, 1920 in Calexico, California. He was the third of Antonio and Alma Santos' four children. The family resided in San Diego, California for many years at 2552 L Street. Expressing an early talent—and resulting lifelong passion—for music, he began playing tenor sax at age 13.

A 1939 graduate of San Diego’s Hoover High School, James joined the army and served in WW II. Following his honorable discharge, the army private attended UC Berkeley with plans to become a dentist. But fate took charge a year later when his appendix ruptured. Following a lengthy recovery, he decided to visit army buddy Bill Rawlins in Long Beach, CA. And that’s when he met another lifelong passion: Bill’s 19-year-old sister Dimple Doyne Rawlins. The reserved James and vivacious Dimple were married July 4, 1948 in Long Beach, California.

Soon thereafter, James joined the National Guard. Serving his country during the Korean War, he was away from home when his first child, daughter Ardise Renee, was born. Over the next several years, James and Dimple added six sons to the family: Anthony, Marc, Matthew, twins Duane and Darryl, and David. James worked two jobs to support his growing household, retiring from the post office after 39 years and 33 years of custodial work.

No matter what, family always came first for James (Daddy Bob) and Dimple (Mama Dimple). He and his family visited the Santos grandparents every week, and every other summer found the clan traveling to Kansas to visit the Rawlins grandparents. James also became a fixture at every sporting event his children participated in, filming their various feats over the ensuing years. He was the Lincoln High School Team Photographer for the football and track programs for 12 years.

And he never lost his passion for music. In addition to the tenor sax, he taught himself to play many instruments, including the flute, clarinet, guitar, piano, oboe and bassoon. He also played in two county orchestras.

Married more than 60 years, Daddy Bob said the secret formula for his and Mama Dimple’s long-lasting union was simple: “Belief in God, pride of family, love, sharing and laughter.” That was coupled with one more ingredient, as noted by Mama Dimple: “Balance within self and each other to build a house into a home where everyone is welcome.” That home has been 730 Cotton Street for more than 55 years.

In addition to his wife of 62 years, James is survived by daughter Renee (Lewis) of Oakland, CA; son Anthony (Mary) of San Diego; son Matthew (Sylvia) of San Diego; son Marc (Cynthia) of Yokosuka, Japan; son Duane (Diana) of San Diego; son Darryl (Myra) of Dallas, TX; son David (Rosalind) of Spring, TX; 23 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; nieces Lettie, Pamela and Angela; nephews Arthur and Alfred; numerous cousins, the Rawlins family and a host of friends. James was preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Alma Santos; brothers Frank Santos and Augustine Santos; sister Mae Hodge and nephews Frank Santos and Jimmie Hodge.

Acknowledgements:

On behalf of the Santos family, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone for your acts of kindness during Bob’s illness and home going; your cards, flowers, visits, and especially your prayers. Continue to keep us in your prayers as we will ask God’s blessings upon each of you.

Arrangements under the direction of Goodbody Mortuary, San Diego, CA.