Juan Antonio Jimenez

May 17, 2016

Eulogy

Juan Antonio Jimenez

To live and die, that’s life, or so that’s what we tell ourselves. I remember distinctly one of

the earliest memories of my life sitting inside of a McDonalds with my father sitting across from

me and feeling very sad. As a human being you don't really remember much of your childhood

memories unless they were impactful, this being one of these moments. The reason for my grief

was that I was finally able to grasp the concept of life and death. I remember my dad sitting

across from me asking me “What’s wrong son?” And I replied, “We are all going to die

someday” Pretty heavy concept to grasp at the ripe age of six. He chuckled and responded

“That’s nothing to be scared of; that’s just life, to live and die, its nothing to be scared of. All it

means is that you did your job on earth. That’s all that means, it’s the only thing that really

matters in the end.” He pinched my cheek and we returned to our dollar menu cheese less

burgers which were the highlight of my week.

You see my father always liked to appear strong in front of his peers. You could truly see it

in his lifestyle. His best-friend, Napoleon, a strong sturdy Pit-bull. They say people are usually a

reflection of their pets, and if any of you have had the pleasure of meeting Napoleon, you would

know that he is a ferocious warm hearted teddy bear. What may seem strong and intimidating to

some is actually the most loving of creatures. My father was very much like his best-friend

Napoleon, if he gave you the opportunity to know him. He liked having the appearance of

always being the best, you could see it in all the things around him. They were very simple

things that reflected what society would call a humble life. A beat up, old 2005 Ford F-150, some

could call it a laborers truck. However, in his eyes it was a Ferrari, it was the car of his dreams. I

remember asking him once “Dad if you could have any car in the world what would you want?”

!1

and he replied, “I already have my truck outside, what more could I want.” That is a reflection of

the humble life my father lived. You could see it all around him.

A swapmeet stand in a flea market was his pride and joy. His friends saw him as a strong

individual next to his wife commanding a big shop together, He saw a stand his wife and family

built together from scratch, and he revered nothing more highly than his family. My mother and

his best-friend partner in crime Martha. His first born and voice of reason Bianca. His rock and

strength Maira. His son, the Hollywood bartending filmmaker and chaser of dreams. The

grandchildren and fruit of his labors Gabriella, Daisy, Anthony and last but not least baby Logan.

We are his legacy, he will live through us so make it a good life. Oh and Freddy and Mike too but

I digress. He loved the both of you very much and on many occasions told me how proud he was

that his daughters found such good men to be their partners in life, he would hate it if he knew I

was telling you. But I digress. We will continue his legacy, and everything that will come into

existence will come into existence through us. And we have all come into existence because of

Juan Antonio Jimenez. To live and die, that’s life I guess. Love you dad. Rest in paradise.

Your biggest fan and one and only son (I hope so) :p

Jesus Antonio Jimenez