Santiago “Jimmy” Rios Jr., 55, passed away, unexpectedly, on Monday, November 19, 2012. He was born in Racine on Nov. 28, 1956, the son of the Santiago and Petra (nee: DeLarosa) Rios Sr.
On July 10, 1978, he was united in marriage to the former Joyce LaGrand. Jimmy, and his wife Joyce, owned and operated Rio Grande Foods, Inc. He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Jimmy was a 1975 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School. In 1978 he started the Rio Grande Foods. Jimmy was a true entrepreneur in every way. He started Tacos Express at the 7 Mile Fair 14 years ago. His businesses earned him the title of the Hispanic Business of the Year in 2000 and 2012. He was a co-founder of Mexican Fiesta. Jimmy enjoyed hunting, golfing and camping. His greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papi”. He was a true unsung hero to his family and many friends.
Surviving are his wife, Joyce; their children, Catherine Rios, of Sturtevant, Christina (Victor) Lozano, of Sturtevant, Santiago B. (Rebecca) Rios, of Racine, Jose (Melissa) Rios, and Jessica (Donald) Jaszkowski, all of Mt. Pleasant; 14 grandchildren, Arianna, Gage, Mya, Maricella, Santiago IV, Anisa, Alicia, Benjamin, Vanessa, Anthony, Lexi, Santiago, Jose Jr., and Alex; mother, Petra Rios, of Racine; sister, Cynthia (Dale) Lambdin, of Kansasville, brothers, Ruben (Dalia) Rios, Alil (Jackie) Siamof, Kemil Siamof , all of Racine. Jimmy was preceded in death by his father Santiago Rios Sr., and brother, Armando Rios.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St. on Monday, November 26th, at 11:00 a.m.. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and in the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorials to establish a living memorial to Jimmy at a later date.
Victor J. Moreno says
Dear Joyce and beloved family members,
It is with my sincere condolences that I extend to all of you. As we all know, he was a hard working individual and a respected person in the community. It goes way back to being in our twenties and organizing Fiestas Patrias Inc. a non-profit group of young Hispanics wanting to make a change Racine. Indeed we did. I am honored to be his friend.
I can remember high school and Jimmy being a 98 lb. wrestler on the St. Catherine’s team. He added a little more weight since then.
I also recall the trip to Chicago to see the musical Evita. What fond memories. Jim, you were there when I needed you. Thank you for your special touch.
Daniel J. Urban says
Dear Joyce and family,
I attended grade school with Jimmy and Armando at Holy Trinity. Jimmy was so light, a faster runner than I was no matter what I did beat him! (And our heights were close at the time!)
I visited him at his restaurant on Main St. while visiting family. My mother came with too. She remembered as I do how his parents would treat the school to some great Mexican foods. Mmm!
We were both surprised that he really outgrew me! (The food perhaps?)
I wish I could recall the year we visited, but I do not. My own family was having problems and time has become blurry.
I intended to keep closer touch with my old friend but failed to.
I was looking him up for cooking advice and found his obituary instead. I really am sorry for your loss. He and his parents and little brother impressed me, reading of his accomplishments he continued to impress.
This is getting long and I could keep going a long time telling of the memories. He was really one fun guy.
Sincerely,
An old friend now in AR,
Dan Urban