Jake Jake Orona

If anyone ever really cared for someone else it would have to be Jake Orona. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Jake was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said meant what he said.

      Jake was born at Maryvale Hospital, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was the son of Jake Orona Sr II and Margaret Garcia. Jake was raised in Phoenix. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Jake was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Jake's personality throughout his life.

      Though Jake was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Jake was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Jake worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Jake was raised with 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Brothers names are Selso and Anthony and sisters, Mona and Mary. Jake and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Jake was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Jake was always tactful. One thing Jake will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Jake had a number of interests and was an active child. Jake loved working on cars! In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his family outdoors and riding his three wheelers. Jake's memorable achievements included building his own bike.

      For Jake, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Jake was also adept at details. Jake was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Auto Mechanics, which his counselor fought him on scheduling.

      There was one thing that all of Jake's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Jake was such a popular person throughout his life. But Jake was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Jake was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Jake was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Jake was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Jake was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Jake made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Harry Coral, Gil Hernandez and Mundo Rivera. He was always close to Ray Baca, Tommy Baca, Lawrence Baca and Tommy Romero.

      Jake was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Jake cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On May 23, 1979 ( Divorced 1993) Jake married Malena Garcia at Justice of the Peace of Phoenix, Arizona. Compassionate and devoted, Jake worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Jake and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Jake was blessed with four daughters, Julia Orona, Jennifer Orona, Jacqulyn Orona and Jeanette Orona. They were also blessed with ten grandchildern, Dominic Orona, Brianna Torres, Ivan Galindo, Daniel Labadie Jr., Cierra Galindo, Cianna Peralta, Leanna Aldrete, Aiden Jacob Aldrete, Ailee Orona and Avery Orona. Jake was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Jake was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Jake would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Jake, and he expected the same from those around him. Jake was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Jake was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Jake handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was painting. He was employed in Aero Space for 27 years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      Not only did Jake enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included family reunions in Springville, NM and camping at the White Mountains.

      Since it was easy for Jake to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Jake was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2007. He stayed in Phoenix, AZ. In retirement, he found himself finally taking a break from all his hard work. He worked hard all his life and was so good at EVERYTHING he did. He was a mechanic, painter, GREAT father, husband, grandfather, son and brother. Even in retirement, Jake stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Jake passed away on February 16, 2012 at St Joseph Hospital. Jake had a stroke, end stage renal failure and diabetes. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Garcia. Brothers: Anthony Garcia and Selso Orona, Sisters: Mary and Mona Orona, Daughters: Julia, Jennifer, Jacqulyn and Jeanette Orona and Grandchildern: Dominic, Daniel, Ivan, Cierra, Brianna, Ailee, Avery, Cianna, Leanna and Aiden. Services were held at Funeraria Del Angel Greer Wilson Chapel. Jake was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery.

      Jake was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Jake was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Jake Orona.