James Trujillo

James “Santiago” Trujillo, 81, a resident of Fulton, Illinois died on Monday, September 17, 2012 at the Morrison Community Hospital in Morrison, Illinois.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, September 21, 2012 at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Chapel in Bettendorf, Iowa.  He will be laid to rest at the Rock Island National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.  Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Gilda’s Club or the Bettendorf Food Pantry.

He was born in Moline, Illinois on June 27, 1931, the son of Juan Cruz & Cristina (Cervantes) Trujillo.  On September 6, 1951, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mildred J. McCann in Rock Island, Illinois.

Jim served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was seriously wounded in action for which he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and other service related medals.

He retired from the Rock Island Arsenal as a supervisor in 1971 after 20 years of faithful service.  After retirement, he purchased a farm in Fulton where he lived until his death.

Jim was a proud veteran and was a member of the American Legion.  He loved working on the farm, raising Black Angus cattle and tending to the fields.  He & Mildred loved to dance and enjoyed the many family gatherings during special occasions.

Those left to honor his memory include his beloved wife of 61 years, Mildred; his son, David Lee (Colleen) Trujillo of Omaha, Nebraska; his grandchildren, Sabrina, Tavis, Nathan & Quentin; his great-grandchildren, Madyson, Logan, Isabella, Morgan & Joey; his sister, Isabel Zambrano of Davenport, Iowa; his brother, Frank “Jack” Trujillo of Silvis, Illinois; and a close & special friend, Martin Riveria of Rock Falls, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his son, James Brian Trujillo; his sisters, Patricia, Lucy & Antonia; and his brothers, John & Robert.