Obituary of James Michael Santoro

James (Jim) Michael Santoro, 49, of Cameron Park, California passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, June 26, 2021. He leaves behind his wife, Elaine;  his boys, Jamie (19) and Jason (18);  his mom, Jackie, and stepdad, Michael;  his brother, Joe;  his in-laws, Doreen and Jim Currie;  and many, many friends and family members. Jim was predeceased by his father, Larry, in 1986. Jim was a deeply caring and generous soul, who spread his love with his incredible cooking skills and amazing food, his fabulous sense of humor that kept us all laughing daily, and his continuous acts of kindness throughout his life. Jim could always find the positive in any person or situation and lived his life with a truly adventurous spirit. He moved to Hawaii after high school and spent 13 years there, running marathons, surfing the ocean waves, kayaking and hiking, getting married and having kids, and making fabulous friends along the way. His next seven years were spent back in his Canadian hometown with his wife and boys, close to beautiful Lake Huron and many of his relatives and life-long friends. He spent his final 10 years in Cameron Park together with his family under the glorious California sun, riding his Harley through the foothills, enjoying the wineries, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, and the California lifestyle. Jim was always focused on “providing” for his family: a safe and happy home, a secure future, and protection if something should ever happen to him. He was a genuinely loving and devoted husband and father, and not a day went by without an “I love you” to his wife and boys. He was always planning great adventures for the family, with trips to Marineland/Niagara Falls, camping at Sauble Beach, a cabin in the Redwoods of California, snorkeling in Jamaica, quad riding on the beaches of Mexico, dirt-biking, golfing, rock-climbing, zip-lining, rappelling, biking, hiking, fishing, and on and on.  Jim was an incredibly hard worker and was highly valued in his position at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento where his expertise in the medical field saved many lives, and where he established wonderful relationships with fellow medical professionals. In his down time, Jim spent many happy hours in his favorite spot on the deck that he built with his own hands (with his buddy, Joe), with his feet up, smoking a cigar and absorbing our beautiful view of the Sierra foothills with the mountains in the distance, or in the pool hanging out with good friends, his awesome music playlists, and his faithful dog, Hoku. Our wonderful neighbors, the Supper family, coined the phrase “Jimming” to describe Jim’s method of relaxing. Jim will be missed more than words can say. The ripple effect of his departure from this world is enormous. Let’s honor Jim by living our lives to the fullest, including “Jimming” time, because “who knows what tomorrow might bring?” A Celebration of Jim's Life for his co-workers took place on July 2, 2021. A Celebration of Jim's Life for family and friends will take place in California and also in Canada. Details to come. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 556 N. Christina St., Sarnia, N7T 5W6 or to the charity of your choice.

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