FAIRMONT CITY, Ill. — James “Jimboy” W. Santen, 84, of Fairmont City, Ill., died on Friday, June 4, 2010, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Ill.

He was born Dec. 7, 1925, in East St. Louis, Ill., to Louis and Anna (Blane) Santen.

Mr. Santen worked as an electrician for Hunter Packing Co. in East St. Louis, Ill., for 40 years. He was a lifelong resident of Fairmont City and a member of Fairmont Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran during World War II. He served on U.S.S. Frost (DE144) and U.S.S. Gandy (DE764) as a sonar man second class. He received the American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Area Campaign Medal, Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, U.S.S. Frost for Exceptionally Meritorious Achievement in the Atlantic from March 24, 1944, to May 8, 1945.

He married Mary Rodriguez on Oct. 21, 1950.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Mary; a daughter, Barb Higgins of Parsons; a grandson, Bob (Lisa) Kirchoff of Pontoon Beach, Ill.; two sisters, Darlene Hagen of Plano, Texas, and Jeannette (Larry) Vardiman of Camano Island, Wash.; and many loved in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Santen; his parents, Louis and Anna; three brothers, Elmer Santen, Lester Santen and Robert “Smiley” Santen.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Fairmont Baptist Church, 2733 North 44th St., Fairmont City, Ill., 62201. Kassly Mortuary in Fairview Heights, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.kasslyfuneral.com.