10.18.2015

MOTOR CITY BAD BOY RIKKI ST JAMES OBITUARY 10-18-2015


Rikki in Detroit 2013 photo: (retrokimmer.com)

Rikki St James
February 20, 1954 - October 18, 2015
Son of Mary Santiago. Father of Ricardo A. Santiago and Brittany L. St. James. Brother of Andre Santiago, Lisa Bryson and Maria Santiago-Powell



Detroit Guitarist/Bass Player Rikki St James died today after suffering a brain aneurysm. Rikki was receiving chemotherapy for cancer as well..he was in good spirits until the end..we received several phone calls and lots of texts from him while he was at U of M hospital and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. The funeral service will be a private family affair.

Rikki loved his family especially his two children Brittany and Ricky. Our prayers are with them at this time....


Rikki St James was an old school Detroiter. He grew up not far from Tiger Stadium and his father owned the Security Seal business on Michigan Ave. Rikki worked along side his dad as young boy and worked in the building trades for over 30 years.

 Rikki  (retrokimmer.com)

In recent years Rikki has resided in Wyandotte, Michigan. He loved that small artist community. He enjoyed living there immensely.

Rikki was a very good chef..cooked authentic Puerto Rican dishes and loved to make Spaghetti Marinara from scratch on Sundays..He loved to eat the best foods. Rikki loved his many sports cars and his Softail Harley. Rode often with his pals in the Highwaymen.

Rikki was full of life, love, and laughter....

 Wyandotte Museum (retrokimmer.com)

But his true love in life was making music and meeting talented people. He loved to encourage everyone to follow their dreams and live their best life. He truly enjoyed living his life to the hilt. One of his favorite quotes was from Hunter S. Thompson..




“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”



His career in music began when Rikki was hired to play Bass guitar in the second version of the band the Motor City Bad Boys. This was the greatest time in Rikki's life.



He talked often about the MCBB crowds that packed CBGB's, Max's Kansas City,  and the Great Gildersleeve back in NYC. He loved NYC and the glamour and nightlife.

  Mick Stevens, Rikki St James, Sirius Trixon, Glenn Dean and Jim Jam

The Motor City Bad Boys, one of the most fascinating rock bands to ever come out of the Detroit music scene. MCBB played Second Chance, Bookies, Max's Kansas City, CBGBs and Great Gildersleeves many times during the 70's.

RIP LOVE...xoK







16 comments:

Unknown said...

RSJ always had a kind word to say. He dug his tuff guy persona, but Rikki was a real nice guy. He adored Detroit and enjoyed all kids of music, foods, graffiti, and everything everywhere. He'd razz me about the name Cadillac Kidz because it was his idea that Cameron decided to use after discussing band names with Rikki at SureShot Studio. He was from my old neighborhood.

Steve Hann said...

"My deepest condolences to Rikki's family. As roadie with Pretty Poison I spent time with the MCBB while they were in New York. One of the more fun Detroit combos.

Maria said...

Kimmer,
that was just beautiful what you put together for rik. It broke my heart in a good way . I never heard the first song before. If it is possible, could I get a copy of the whole tribute?

Thank you again ... I just can't get over your thoughtfulness.

Maria

Richard William Peardon said...

Terrible loss. A truly wonderful man and badboy..prayers out to families and friends of Rikki

Patches Arwine said...

Rest In Peace Rsj....

Randy Nasuti said...

Just a damn nice guy.

Lp Kim said...

RIP Rikki. You'll always be remembered.

Eunice Twork said...

RIP Rikki St James...sad.

Marilyn Bettencourt Backus said...

Oh no RIP Rikki

Johnny Bee Badanjek said...

He was really a sweet guy. Much love. Bee

Donnie Enerson said...

A brother from another mother... Cousin to a brother. I knew Rik for a long time. He was always very encouraging. Underneath that bad ass look was a heart of gold and pure sugar. Rikki St James

I wish you would have had longer to ride the waves my friend. Everytime I hear the thunder... I will know that you're playing your bass. God bless you and all that you've left behind. I'm still here if anybody needs anything, I will do like you... I will do my best. Your bro...Donito!

Anonymous said...

I am just shocked to learn of Rikki's passing...it doesn't seem real to me. I always called him 'Sonny'...he had the greatest sense of humor...him and I would comment back n' forth about silly imaginary things & situations..he was just so much fun. I'm truly going to miss hearing from him. Fly High Sonny... <3 :(

Wyndchime said...

I just read this about Rikki and it tears my heart. He was my friend and I am sadden that my life got busy, we lost touch but he was on my mind the past few days. Going to miss you Rikki

Unknown said...

Rikki, You were special and you made me laugh. I hope you're flying high on that dragon. Thank you for being a friend and sharing a dream. I'm saddened to hear this... Rest In Paradise

Photo said...

Sad to hear this.

I took photos of him with trixon and blonde at bookies club 870. As a result, he called me "photo".

I guess the pics were for a promo thing. He wore that black glove on his finger hand. Drums was fronted with a Cadillac bumber front clip.

Oh well, those were the days. Circa:1974

Photo said...

So sorry to hear this. I knew Ricky from the bad boys at bookies club 870. I took photos for him while playing with trixon and blonde.

As a result, I was known to him as "photo".

I guess the pics were for a promo thing they were putting together.

Some things are meant to be.

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