Abelardo Jimmy Jimenez

Jimmy is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 68 years, Sophie Toscano Jimenez, his parents Estevan and Josefina Galvan Jimenez, his siblings: Evangeline, Olivia, Roger, Oscar, Ruben, Steve, and Alfred. He is survived by his daughters: Norma Jean "Jeannie" Wood (Jimmie) and Joyce Lynn Cheuvront; his grandchildren, Jennifer McDonald (Lyle), Randolph Chapa (Francine), and Brian Cheuvront; and his two great granddaughters, Sophia McDonald and Brilynn Cheuvront. He is also survived by two of his remaining brothers: Richard and Ramiro and many other beloved family members.

Jimmy, as everyone knew him, was born in San Antonio on August 16, 1922. He was the fifth oldest of ten siblings. His first job was at the age of nine. He would walk eight miles into town every day for three years and sell newspapers in front of the Frost building. He would walk three miles to go to Bowie Elementary School. While in junior high school, he was interested in becoming a butcher and went on to receive training in that trade when he entered high school. In 1937, he attended Fox Tech High School (formally known as San Antonio Vocational and Technical High School). He almost had to quit school so he could work. When the principal found out, he went to Jimmy's home and spoke with his father about Jimmy working half day while still attending school. Jimmy began working at the Apache Packing Company from 3pm to 10pm seven days a week. The owner, Mr. Cruz put Jimmy to work during the day as a butcher and checked merchandise for delivery in the evenings. After work, he would walk to Guadalupe St. to catch the bus to go home. Since the hours were long and the workload was heavy, he was unable to attend the commencement ceremony or walk the stage with his graduating class of 1941. Jimmy was a very hard-working and dedicated young man of his time.

In January 1942, he joined the civil service at Kelly Air Force Base and worked as a messenger for two months before being promoted to senior messenger. Two months later, he was again promoted but this time as an Accounting Clerk (GS-1).

On August 24, 1942, Jimmy enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed in California and trained in New Zealand before going to Guadalcanal. He served during World War II in three major combat areas: Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. His unit received the Presidential Unit Citation with one star and the Navy Unit Citation and three medals each for each combat area. He also received the Asiatic Pacific medal. He was Honorably Discharged in October 1945.

Jimmy did not speak much about his time during the war but he did tell of a time when he was saved from drowning by one of his platoon mates.

After serving his country proudly, Jimmy returned to his civil services at Kelly. This time, he was promoted to payroll clerk as a GS-2. After a short hiatus from taking night courses and selling insurance, he returned to Kelly as a GS-4 in payroll. It was not but a short time, he was promoted to a GS-5 position. With hard work, he was later promoted to a GS-9 Employee Relations Officer. Yet, Jimmy was never satisfied. He always had a desire to advance. He would work hard, long hours, and it finally paid off. He was eventually promoted to Chief of Training Branch (GS-14) in 1969. He was the second Hispanic to achieve the position of GS-14, which was the second highest grade at Kelly out of 20,000 people. He finally retired from Kelly after 32 years of dedicated service.

While working at Kelly and for 28 years, Jimmy volunteered on a non-compensated Board of Director's position at GECU (now Credit Human), and he eventually became Chairman of the Board of Directors. It was during this time at GECU and after his retirement with Kelly that he became interested in politics. He became the Administrative Assistant to State Representative, Matt Garcia. He continued in his interest in politics when he helped set up the campaign headquarters for Councilman, Al Padilla, Governor Dolph Brisco, President Jimmy Carter, District Attorney Bill White, and Commissioner Leo Mendoza. He also ran the campaign for Judge Alphonso Chapa and was involved in local campaigns for Governor Mark White and Mayor Henry Cisneros. He said, "Working in politics gives me a sense of doing something for the city and it's exciting. I meet a lot of interesting people and get involved in projects that are very different from the business world."

On August 25, 1981, Commissioner Tom Stolhandski and later Commissioner Paul Elizondo appointed Jimmy to the Bexar County Hospital District's Board of Managers (now known as the University Hospital). He served in this non-compensating position for two and a half years. Jimmy was also appointed to serve as Chairman of the Board's Planning and Operations Committee. He also served as a member of the Air Force Association and the El Mercado Advisory Board and Draft Board.

Throughout his time, he has received numerous certificates and letters of recognitions from the President of the United States, The United States Civil Service Commission and the Department of the Air Force, the City of San Antonio, Government Employees Credit Union, and Fort Sam Houston for his contribution to the FSH Warrior and Family Support Center. He also enjoyed contributing to numerous non-profit organizations, political, religious, and educational entities.

Although Jimmy was very active in his community, he was always active in his personal and family life. He enjoyed such hobbies as playing golf and attending the horse and dog races. He spent most of his time with his wife, Sophie, his daughters, his grandchildren, and his great-granddaughters. The devotion he had to his wife and family exceeded beyond measure. Popo, as his family called him, will be dearly missed but his legacy and memory will live on.

MASS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

10:00AM

ST. MATTHEWS CATHOLIC CHURCH

10703 WURZBACH ROAD

Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.