Santiago "Jimmy" Solis, age 77, passed away to be our LORD, September 8, 2023. He was the son of Frank and Catarina Casarez Solis born on October 20, 1945, in Charlotte, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Isabel Gallegos and Angelita Maxwell. Three brothers also preceded him, Frank, Hipolito and Francisco; father-law, Jose Ochoa, who treated him like a real son. His oldest beloved granddaughter, Marisa Solis passed away in March 2011.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Gloria Ochoa Solis; his pride and joy was his 2 sons, Robert Andrew (Silvia), and Roger Anthony (Debra); his beloved grandson, Jonathan Andrew, and his beloved granddaughter, Karin Alexandria, and his grandchildren Jonathan, Jaythan, Natalie, Alejandra and Araceli.

He is also survived by a brother, Anselmo Solis; his sister, Louisa Ramos; 5 sisters-in law, Sylvia Rodriguez, Martina Melendez, Rosa Linda Adame, Bessie Rodriguez and Birdie Galindo whom he cared for so much. We must not forget to mention his best friends, Jesse and Mary Lou Huerta, and 2 beloved dogs, Keia and Zeus.

Jimmy was reared in Charlotte, he attended grade school through high school where he enjoyed playing football, basketball, and tennis. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the US Air Force. After basic training at Lackland AFB, his next assignment was Selfridge AFB in Michigan, for 9 months. He was then assigned to Sewart AFB in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Jimmy proudly served in Vietnam, representing his country to the best of his ability. It was there that he was in contact with Agent Orange, which led to his demise years later.

Jimmy was a prolific typist clerk and quickly went up to the ranks to become a Technical Sergeant. He had a stellar career in the Air Force and traveled extensively through Europe for 4 years accompanied by Gloria, Andrew and Roger.

He thoroughly loved traveling Germany, Holland, France, and Belgium. Their home is filled with furniture and decorations and beautiful souvenirs from abroad, each piece tells a story.

After returning from Europe, they returned to the stateside and were stationed at Langley AFB, Virginia for 3 great years. When in Virginia he was awarded the title (smoking typewriter). There they got to visit Arlington and the confederate Memorial Park among other memorial sites.

In 1981, TSgt Solis along with his family transferred to Brooks AFB in San Antonio. Where he continued to work under a top-secret clearance. His unit was instrumental in strategizing and perfecting pinpoint accuracy for the parachute jumpers. Jimmy served as an enlisted soldier for almost 21 years. And as a Civilian for 24 years. For his dedicated service, he was awarded the following:

Air Force Commendation Medal With 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

Air Force Commendation Unit Award

Air Force Good Conduct Medal With 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Service Medal With 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

Nco Professional Military Graduate Ribbon Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device

Numerous Awards from Civil Service for a Job Well Done

In 2010, Jimmy felt he had paid his debt to the Air Force and Civil Service. He decided to retire. He then took up gardening, camping, and traveling.

As fate would have it Jimmy started experiencing serious health problems. Those of us who knew him realized that he had a brilliant mind. Towards the end of his journey, he was unable to recognize his loved ones and could not make rational decisions.

Up until the end, we continued to regularly visit Jimmy in Floresville in spite of him usually not acknowledging us, but we knew him.

The Solis family would like to thank all the staff at the Frank Tejeda Veterans Home in Floresville and the Shepherd Hospice group for the great help provided for Jimmy.

In closing, Bible scripture in "2 Timothy", sums up Jimmy's exceptional journey.

"I Have Fought the Good Fight I Have Finished the Race, I Have Kept the Faith".

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton, from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with the reciting of the rosary at 7:00 PM. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Charlotte, at 11:00 AM. Committal services and interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road in San Antonio, at 1:45 PM.