Santiago "Jim" Soza Jr.

Jim was born on July 17, 1945, in Bastrop, Texas, to Santiago Soza Sr. and Natividad Soza. He loved sports from an early age, playing football throughout high school and later enjoying softball. He was also an avid reader with a lifelong commitment to learning, earning a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Jim proudly served 20 years in the United States Army, including service during the Vietnam War, and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant. During a distinguished military career that included three Army Commendation Medals and two Meritorious Service Medals, Jim made history in 1982 when he became the first Master Sergeant in the Army’s pharmacy career field, breaking through a barrier that had previously limited advancement within the specialty.

His achievement represented more than a single promotion. Jim helped open a path for the pharmacy Soldiers who followed him into the Army’s senior enlisted ranks. For those who came after him, the path was no longer uncharted—Jim had already walked it. His family takes tremendous pride in knowing that those who later advanced were, in a very real sense, standing on the shoulders of a giant.

Jim’s service did not end when he took off the uniform. After retiring from the Army, he later returned to the Army Medical Department Center and School as a civilian pharmacy instructor, beginning a 23-year civilian teaching career. He became known as an exceptional instructor and mentor and played an important role in advancing pharmacy education, including helping establish the Army pharmacy field’s first Senior Enlisted Education Course.

His contributions were recognized throughout his career. Jim received the Janelle Hunter Civilian Pharmacy Technician Award in 2001, was named Army Pharmacy Instructor of the Year in 2010, and was later inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit. By the time he retired from federal service, Jim had devoted a combined 43 years to serving his country.

Teaching was not simply a profession for Jim; he genuinely loved it. His ability to teach left a lasting impression on generations of students, many of whom described him in course evaluations as the best teacher they had encountered in their academic lives.

That passion for learning followed him home. As his children left for school, Jim would often send them off with the words, “Get in there and learn something!” When they returned, he wanted to know, “What did you learn today?” No lesson was too small. If they had learned something new, Jim wanted to hear about it. He believed there was always something worth learning and that knowledge was meant to be shared.

Jim was also a man of deep and abiding faith. A devoted Catholic, he drew strength from his faith in God, which shaped the way he lived, loved, served, and treated others. That faith was reflected in the compassion, generosity, and warmth he showed to those around him.

As proud as Jim was of his military, educational, and professional accomplishments, his greatest pride was his family.

Jim married his beloved wife, Nancy Divine Soza, on May 16, 1986. Their marriage was one of the great joys of his life, and Jim never hesitated to say so. He often told Nancy that whenever she walked into a room, his heart still skipped a beat, and he proudly told anyone who would listen just how lucky he was to have her.

That warmth extended to nearly everyone Jim met. He greeted people with a smile and a jubilant “Hi!” that made it clear he was truly happy to see them. He loved jokes and loved making people smile. Jim believed that if he could make someone smile, even for a moment, he could bring a little joy into their day.

He had a rare gift for making people feel important and welcome. Whether someone was family, a lifelong friend, a fellow Soldier, a student, a coworker, or someone he had known only briefly, Jim made them feel as though they belonged. He was equally remarkable in maintaining relationships throughout his life. Former Soldiers, students, coworkers, old friends, and acquaintances often remained part of his world for years because Jim believed relationships mattered and made the effort to keep them alive.

Jim was the proud father of James, Robert, Daniel, Matthew, Jacob, and Rebecca. He was also a proud grandfather to Tasha Soza, Devin Soza, Shelby Bragdon, Alexis Bragdon, Joshua Bragdon, Emilio Soza, and Dalia Pons. His children and grandchildren were his greatest accomplishments and his greatest source of pride.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Santiago Soza Sr. and Natividad Soza; his son, Robert Soza; his brothers Jesse, Gilbert, and Manuel Soza; and his sisters Lucy Mata and Carol Cantu.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; his children and grandchildren; his sisters Irene Loredo of Killeen, Texas, Paula Ruedas of Austin, Texas, and Janie Galvez of Houston, Texas; and his brothers Ricardo, Michael, and Nicolas Soza, all of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by many extended family members, friends, former students, fellow Soldiers, coworkers, and others whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, mentorship, friendship, and faith.

Jim’s life can be measured by the decades he served, the rank he achieved, the barriers he broke, the students he taught, the honors he earned, and the family he cherished. But perhaps his greatest legacy is simpler than any title or accomplishment.

Jim made people feel important. He made people laugh. He made people feel welcome. He made people feel like family. He encouraged people to learn, stay connected, hold onto their faith, and find a reason to smile.

And he never stopped reminding the people he loved just how much they meant to him.

A visitation honoring Jim’s life will be held on October 11, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78218. A funeral service and Rosary will immediately follow at the same location.

Jim will later be laid to rest with military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The burial service will be a private gathering for close family and friends.