Santiago Martinez

Santiago (Jimmy) Martinez, 64, was called home to be with the Lord on 04/24/2017. He was born on 11/27/1952 in San Marcos, Texas to Santos and Dominga Martinez. He married Yolanda Alvarez in 1976 and raised 3 children. He is survived by his wife, Yolanda, his daughter Amy Ariaz and her husband Mike, His two sons Jimmy Jr. Martinez, Santos Martinez and his wife Abby. He had 7 grandchildren; Keith Ariaz, Jade Ariaz, Isaiah, Keoni, Santos, Gabriel Santiago and Eliana Martinez; 4 brothers: George, Robert, Antonio, and Edwin. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews that he loved just like his own.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his brothers: Arturo Martinez, Domingo Martinez and Samuel Martinez: 2 sisters: Consuelo and Dora Martinez.

Jimmy spent his early years working for FCP in Lamar, Colorado as a fiber glass technician. In 1988, he and his family returned to Fort Collin,s Colorado to be close to his wife's family and to help care for his father-in-law.

Jimmy had many passions. He loved restoring antique cars, especially Lowriders. He loved going for long car rides with his wife. He loved fishing, camping, and going on big family National Lampoon (Martinez) Vacations. He absolutely enjoyed eating Yolanda's tortillas and homemade meals. One of his favorite meals was "Chorizo from Lockhart!".

He spent many hours fixing cars and shopping for car parts. And if he couldn't fix it, he "Jimmy rigged it!" He often involved his wife and kids with his hobbies. He took them to car shows, demolition derbys, and car races. He and his sons owned and operated an automotive tire shop called "New Age Auto". He loved Tejano music, dancing, and gathering his family and friends for holidays, celebrations and any reason to bring the family together.

He was a family man who always tried to help those in need. He was there for his friends, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews when they needed a helping hand. He always hoped and prayed for good things to happen so he would often start by saying "si dios quire" when he made plans, always leaving it up to God.

The best titles he had in life were being a husband, father and grandfather. He always made sure to celebrate each and every birthday for his kids and loved to go all out, because that was Jimmy. When it came to his grandkids, there were no limits, they were his pride and joy and each of them had a very special place in his heart. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, bluntness, laughter and making jokes of everyday life. He was the life of the party everywhere he went. He was known for his Stacy Adams, cholo hat, baggy khaki pants and for special occasions, he pulled out the zuit suits.

We love you, you are engraved in our hearts, until we meet again.