Jamie Chinana was born on April 13, 1972 to Patti Thomas and Leo Chinana Sr. in Winnebago, NE and journeyed to the spirit world on October 28, 2019 in Sioux City, IA.  He was a proud member of the Santee Sioux Nation of Nebraska and was also from the Jemez Pueblo of New Mexico.  He attended school is Sioux City, IA, Yankton, SD and Todd County High School (Mission, SD) where he graduated.  He later attended the Nebraska Indian Community College in Santee, NE.  Jamie worked for many years for the Santee Sioux Nation in various positions and most recently Assistant Director of Utilities and the well-known bingo caller at the Ohiya Casino and Bingo.

He had one sister, Gena (Fred) LaDeaux of Sioux City, IA and four brothers Leo (Deborah) Chinana Jr. of Seymour, WI, Lee Chinana, Lynyrd Chinana, and Orrin Chinana all of Jemez, NM.  He came from a large tiospaye from Santee and Jemez Pueblo.  Jamie had one daughter, Ashley Kay Chinana, whom he reunites with in the spirit world.  From Ashley, he had one beloved grandson, “Baby Gregory” Neff III.  Jamie loved being a father and grandfather.  He loved to watch Ashley participate in all sports, but especially basketball.  Jamie was always joking and laughing with all those that knew him.  He was the best gabubu bread maker in the world!  He loved to attend and participate in powwows as a singer and as a fancy dancer and grass dancer.  He was well known traditional Dakota singer, loved to sing sundance songs, and proud to be a member of the Mato Pejuta drum group.

Jamie will reunite with his grandparents, his mother Patti, his daughter Ashley, his cousin/brother Tony Thomas, and many other relatives in the spirit world.  He will be greatly missed by his beloved takoja Gregory Neff III, his brothers, sister, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and good friends.