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Santiago “Jimmy” H. Valdez, Jr was born on May 11, 1928 in Crystal City, Texas. Jimmy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He passed away on Saturday, April 13th at his home surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his son Jaime Nuz Valdez, his parents Santiago Sr and Corina Valdez, his brothers Arturo Valdez, Crescencio Valdez, Carlos Valdez, and his sisters Anita Rodriguez, Lupe Valdez, and Estela Martinez. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Valdez, his daughters, and numerous grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Nora Castillo, and Elida Lopez. He was proud to be from Crystal City and always spoke fondly of his home town.

Santiago (Jim) Valdez, Jr. left high school early and served his country with honor in the United States Air Force from 1946 to 1949 and in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956. While in the U.S. Army, Jimmy earned the Airborne Ranger designation while assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. Once he completed his commitment to the Armed Services, Jimmy returned to his home town of Crystal City and re-enrolled back in the Crystal City High School. After graduating from high school, he then started his journey in higher education by enrolling in Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde, Texas. Jimmy transferred to the University of Texas in Austin in 1960. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health.

Santiago married Beatrice Nuz Valdez on December 30, 1960. They were married 63 wonderful years at the time of his passing. They were blessed with 5 beautiful children. Tina Buitron and husband Oscar, Melinda Valdez, Veronica (Roni) Grajczyk and husband Tim, Yvonne Valdez Robertson and husband Dimic and Jaime Nuz Valdez, who preceded him in death.

He began his teaching and coaching career with the Austin Independent School District in the fall of 1961 at Allan Junior High School, where he taught physical education and coached football, basketball, and track. After 3 years at Allan Junior High, Jim accepted a position at Johnston High School. He coached football, basketball and track for the next 5 years.

In 1969, Jimmy lost his eye sight as a result of surgery to remove a brain tumor.

Afterwards, he spent the next 6 months attending various blind schools and rehabilitation. Jimmy still had the desire and the determination to continue what he started and he wanted to return to the classroom as a teacher. He eventually returned to Johnston H.S. with the task of supervising the study hall program and then re-entered the classroom as a teacher of world history. As a result, he became the first blind classroom teacher in the Texas public school system. While facing all of the duties of a high school teacher, Jimmy simultaneously was able to earn a master's degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1975. He continued to remain closely involved in Johnston High School activities by sponsoring the Service Club and the Senior Class of 1975 and 1977.

In 1982, Jimmy accepted a position as the high school and elementary school counselor in Asherton, Texas. He and his family then moved to the town of his birthplace, Crystal City, Texas. He was offered a position as the counselor for all three of the Crystal City Independent School District’s elementary schools.

After five years as a counselor in Crystal City, and after more than 20 years as a teacher, coach and counselor, he retired. He then moved back to the town that provided him with all of the opportunities in life, Austin, Texas. Jim has always recognized the fortunate opportunities in his life and he had never stopped giving and never stopped teaching.

A compassionate and dedicated community leader, Santiago "Jim" Valdez has freely given of his time and energies to helping others as a member of the board of directors of the West Austin Lions club, a director of the Sunshine Camp for underprivileged children, a supervisor of East Austin recreation programs and the Austin Recreation Department’s little League program of 160 teams. He worked with the Young Men's Christian Association investigating the need for a caseworker in East Austin for children with drug problems, and was one of the founding members of the Austin chapter of the Pan American Golf Association of which he is a life member. He was also a member of several professional groups including the Texas State Teachers Association, The National Education Agency, and the Texas High School Coaching Association. Jimmy was often approached on a regular basis by former students. It is not uncommon to have been somewhere in town and hear the words "Coach!" or "Mr. Valdez" only to see a former student wanting to talk to him. Almost all of them thanked him for his guidance. You can see the admiration in their eyes as they know he was someone who believed in them and wanted them to succeed. Jimmy’s entire life was devoted to helping others, working with young people and teaching.

In 2009, Jimmy was invited to Eastside Memorial High School, formerly Johnston High School, during Alumni Week where former basketball coaches were being recognized. They were asked to speak with the young men on the basketball team as well as sign a basketball, that is now in the school's trophy case. Jim believed in family and believed in saying “I love you” every chance he had. He enjoyed his time with his grandchildren, Christopher Grajczyk, Benjamin and his wife Erica Grajczyk, Sydney Grajczyk, Allyce Buitron, Reyna Buitron, Merritt Robertson and Ellison Robertson.

The Valdez family would like to thank Jon Godby of New Century Hospice and Violeta Perez who made his last years of his life comfortable and allowed him to pass in his home with his wife and daughters by his side.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress, Austin Texas 78704. Funeral services to follow at 3pm.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/austin-tx/santiago-valdez-11770537