Dr. Jim was born and raised in Riverton, Illinois. He attended Southern Illinois University with a degree in Zoology. He attended University of Illinois Dental School in Chicago, graduating in 1984. He began his practice as a single dentist. As years went on his practice grew and eventually merged into the Santarelli Dental Group. The practice consist of like-minded dentists with the same philosophy and goals for their patients. Dr. Santarelli is married to Regina and the couple share three children, Nicholas, Rachel and Gina. Jim enjoys bow hunting, softball, basketball, his Harley and travelling with his family.