Obituary

James DiSanto was born on April 9, 1933 and died on April 24, 2022. Born to Bartel and Mary DiSanto in Perth Amboy, NJ where he lived with his family until he attended the University of Utah. While in college, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Drafted in 1956, he served in the US Army with the 10th Mountain Division stationed in Germany until 1958.Upon his return, he met Jackie Richards at the University of Utah, and they were married in1959. He began a career in the financial field, which took them to several locations, eventually ending up living in Santa Barbara, California for 37 years, where they raised their three children. In 1971 Jim received a Bachelor of Law degree from La Salle University and began a 20+-year career at Santa Barbara Bank and Trust. During that time, Jim was an active community member, founding the Santa Barbara chapter of UNICO International, an Italian service organization as well as serving as chairman of the University of California-Santa Barbara Affiliates. He also taught business courses at Santa Barbara Community College.In 1998, Jim and Jackie retired and moved to Durango, Colorado. Where Jim served as the president of the Board of Directors at the Durango Arts Center from 1999-2001. When not engaged in community work, Jim and Jackie developed their love of the high country by four-wheel exploring Southwest Colorado and Utah. Jim had a passion for the narrow gauge train and built a miniature replica of the Silverton train station, which is on display at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. He filled his time designing and creating needlepoint, possessing a curious mind he was also avid reader.Jim was a committed husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife Jackie, sons Steven (wife Jules Masterjohn) and Michael (wife Mouchette van Helsdingen), daughter Suzy (husband David Schultz), Grandchildren, Morgan, Mia and Rosie.A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy Hospice House of Durango.