Santiago Telles Obituary (1948 - 2025)

Santiago ”Jimmy” Telles, devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, teacher, coach and life-long resident of the tri-community, passed away peacefully on October 22nd, 2025 at the age of 77, at Oro Valley Hospital. Jimmy was born in Hanover, New Mexico on July 1st, 1948, to Santiago “James” And Aurora Telles. He was the eldest son of thirteen children. He grew up in Mammoth, Az. where he attended Mammoth Elementary School and then moved on to San Manuel High School. He decided to drop out of high school and enlisted in the Army. On February 21st.1967 he entered the Army. While serving his country, he trained to be a wireman, while stationed at Ft. Huachuca then trained to be a lineman at Ft. Gordon, GA. He served his country and fought with the 101st Airborne Division, “Screaming Eagles” as a paratrooper and sharpshooter. While in Vietnam, he was wounded, and honorably discharged. He received two purple hearts and numerous medals during his service. In 1969, he returned home to Mammoth. Shortly after, he got married and had two children, Jaime and Lisa. Jimmy didn’t let his disability hold him back. He attended Central Arizona College and graduated in 1976, with an Associates of Science in Automotive Technology. In 1978, he graduated with an Associates of Applied Science in Welding Technology. He later became an instructor at Central Arizona College, and taught autos, woodworking and welding. In 1981, Jimmy decided to take a shot at Arizona State University. In 1985, he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Technical Education. In 1986, he became “Mr. T’ to the students at San Manuel High School, where he taught autos, woodworking and was also the track coach. He retired in 2000 and began enjoying the “retired” life, spending much of that time with family and friends. Santiago was a devoted brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking for them, vacations in Pinetop, spending time with his friend group from high school, going to the casino, working on cars, woodworking projects, and going to any and all social events he could. He was a man who fought hard, through life, and a man who loved even harder. He always had a huge smile and a big hug to give anyone who needed it. He will forever be missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Santiago is survived by his children; Jaime Telles, Lisa (Gabriel) Villanueva; his grandchildren, Francisco, Marteena (Mina), Gabriel Jr. Ⅱ (Angel), Ruben, Annalisa (Miguel), and Antonio (Mireya); his great-grandchildren, Marissa, Cynthia, Lillyana, Miguel, Reece, Layla, Isaiah, Aleyah, Gabriel Ⅲ, Elijah, Nayeli, and Ace; his siblings, Mary, Eva, Gloria, Ruben, Tony, Mercy, Jenny, Josie, Carol, Frances,and Betty. He is preceded in death by his father Santiago “James”, his mother Aurora Telles, and his sister Elizabeth Telles. A funeral service is scheduled on November 15th, 2025 at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Mammoth, Az. Father Bala will officiate. Burial at Mammoth cemetery to follow. A luncheon and celebration of Santiago’s life will be held at the Mammoth Community Center after burial. Flowers can be sent to 2285 Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Az. by November 14th, so the funeral home may transport to the church. Click this link to view additional details about Santiago's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/santiago-telles