James “Santa” Aldridge, 70, of Nederland, died Saturday, November 28, 2015. A native and lifelong resident of the area, he was born on January 30, 1945, in Port Arthur, to Lela Beatrice Rose and Aubrey Lionel Aldridge.
James was a United States Navy veteran. He was a member of K.C. and will be remembered by many as Santa Claus for over thirty years. James retired after thirty-two years of service from the City of Nederland. He was a member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. James will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all.
Survivors include his wife of thirty years, Solange Aldridge of Nederland; sons, Willie Mayo and his wife, Mac, of Burleson; Gene Mayo and his wife, Tammy, of Nederland; Scott Aldridge and his companion, Becky, of Mauriceville; and Corey Aldridge of Groves; daughter, Cortney Duplechain and her husband, Ben, of Groves; fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Bill and Jack Aldridge.
A gathering of Mr. Aldridge’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 211 Hardy Avenue, Nederland, with interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Aldridge’s memory to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 841125, Dallas, Texas 75284, or to The Empty Stocking Fund, 1975 Century Boulevard, Suite 16, Atlanta, Georgia 30345.
