Mauricio Jimenez Sr.

The foundation of his family, Mauricio Jimenez Sr. based his life around his faith, family and serving others. A giant among men, he held fast to his strong faith, sacrificed for the love of family, and graciously served his community as a compassionate advocate. Mauricio was a proud Veteran and American who treasured his Hispanic culture and heritage. A strong, kind and gentle soul, he was always lending a hand serving others. He indeed left his mark in the world, and will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born in the heyday of the Roaring Twenties, big bands were king, and prohibition was the law of the land. As U.S. manufacturers were implementing the first eight hour, five day work week, factory towns were flourishing. Nestled in the then rural community of McAllen located on the southern tip of Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, Joe and Carlota (Sanchez) Jimenez had much to be thankful for as they welcomed the birth of their son, Mauricio on November 21, 1926.

Mauricio's parents were fourth generation Texans who prospered in McAllen running a local grocery meat market and restaurant. The second of eventually seven children in their household, he grew up alongside Fred, Glafiro, Jose, Arturo, Guadalupe and Noe. Over the years they each had a role working in their family store and restaurant. Although the onset of the Great Depression created much struggle for their large family and businesses, they held strong and were thankful to have made it through these challenging times.

During his formative years, Mauricio learned the value of hard work, the importance of striving for better tomorrows, and having hope towards the greater good in life, each of which he passed down to his own children and grandson. Family was important, and they shared many memorable times together with extended family, as well. Having attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Mauricio graduated at the age of 17 from McAllen High School, home of the Fighting Bulldogs, in 1944.

At the time of his graduation, World War II was well underway with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and like many young men during this time, Mauricio answered the call to duty. With thoughts of his sweetheart clearly on his mind, he was ready to make his dating relationship with Christina Rubio into a lasting commitment and went immediately to her parents to ask for their daughter's hand in marriage. They were blessed in marriage on August 23, 1944 at her family church in McAllen.

After being stationed in San Diego, California, Mauricio shipped out and nine months later he became the father of their first child, Vickie. As part of his ship's crash crew, he served in the position of deck firefighter for the next three years while his wife, Christina and young daughter, Vickie remained in McAllen living with Mauricio's parents. At the war's end, he returned home to Christina's awaiting arms and before long packed up his family and moved to Corpus Christi where he found work as a union carpenter.

After being offered an apprenticeship, Mauricio went on to earn his journeyman's license as a carpenter. It afforded him the security of providing for his family, which in time included Vickie as well as the births of Mauricio Jr., Belinda and Ramon. Together he and Christina sacrificed much for their children. Education was an important part of raising their family and they made a way for each of them to attend college to guarantee them a better life. As a family, they enjoyed tent camping at Padre Island and frequently visited Mexico, especially Mexico City D.F. during the Christmas season where enjoyable times were shared. As a Boy Scout leader, Mauricio witnessed his son, Mauricio Jr. earn his Eagle Scout badge and he himself was recognized as a Neighborhood Commissioner.

Mauricio was a wonderful cook and even built a barbeque grill in the backyard. He especially loved cooking with fish, shrimp, and beef. He was a natural when preparing Mexican dishes, with his specialty being tamales along with other traditional meals. With a love and appreciation for his culture, he loved Tejano music, and when it came to TV, he was a fan of Western movies, particularly old John Wayne classics. He was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, and also enjoyed watching wrestling, boxing, and followed the Detroit Pistons, Tigers and Lions. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes, and he loved deep sea fishing. An avid reader, he enjoyed history novels and frequently visited the library. True to form, he could often be found asleep many a night in his chair with a book in his hands.

Mauricio always had a heart for his people. While living in Texas, he partnered with his family doctor, Dr. Hector P. Garcia who was active politically for Hispanic rights. He proved to have a great influence on Mauricio and his family, and in time Mauricio became involved, giving voice to political endeavors for the benefit of Hispanic citizens and Hispanic Veterans. Dr. Garcia and Mauricio marched and fought for the right of minority Veterans to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, and in so doing, were instrumental in helping change the laws. He also fought to defeat the poll tax placed on Hispanics and other minorities.

In Corpus Christi, Mauricio was very active helping the Mt. Carmel Retirement Home for Religious Sisters. He put his carpentry skills to good use and often volunteered his time fixing, repairing and doing what needed to be done. In 1974, Mauricio and his family left Texas and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where they made their home on Richmond Street NW. He worked as a vocational teacher for the Detroit Public Schools. Even though he moved, distance did not dampen his burden for the Hispanic community. Wherever he lived, Mauricio joined or helped begin organizations for the betterment of his community. From baseball diamonds to neighborhood swimming pools, he was actively involved in bringing these to fruition.

As a charter member of the GI Forum in Corpus Christi, Mauricio was the founder of the GI Forum in Grand Rapids. Established for Veterans and their families, Mauricio was a staunch supporter of the organization which fought for equal privileges within the armed forces and their entitlement, under law, regardless of color, race, or creed. He held additional memberships in the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, LULAC-League of United Latin American Citizens and the Catholic War Veterans.

When Mauricio's wife, Christina suddenly died from a heart attack at the age of 68 in 1995, it was understandably a difficult time for him after over 50 years of devoted marriage. It was especially hard as well when his son, Ramon died from cancer at age 44. Diabetes took his son, Mauricio Jr. in 2011 and since then life had been very difficult and sad for Mauricio.

Last Thursday, Mauricio became ill and was taken to the hospital only to discover he had suffered a heart attack. He rebounded for a time over the weekend, but it soon became apparent there was little that could be done. With his family by his side, he was able to share his last hours surrounded by those he loved. Sadly, at the age of 85, Mauricio Jimenez Sr. passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2012.

Throughout his life, Mauricio's faith was a constant source of strength and perseverance. Devout to his Catholic faith, it was foremost in his life and that of his family. A true prayer warrior, he lifted his family in unending prayer and for the people he knew. He never missed Sunday Mass or attending on Holy days. A teacher of strength and fortitude, he was a quiet leader who led by example. His grandson, Mauricio III gleaned much from the many times he spent with his grandfather and his wise counsel. A gift of Mauricio's legacy, it was one of many ways he will be long remembered. With a servant's heart, he lived and loved deeply with compassion, kindness and most of all, love for family, country, and the things for which he believed.

The last of seven children, Mauricio was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Evelyna Jimenez along with his wife and two sons. He is survived by his daughters, Vickie Jimenez and Belinda Jimenez; beloved grandson, Mauricio Jimenez III; many nieces, nephews and friends.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday morning, March 15, 2012, 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church with procession leaving from the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery with military honors. Relatives and friends may meet his family on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW with the Rosary prayed at 7:00 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church or the American Diabetes Association. To read more about Mauricio’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.