Joe "Jaime" Guajardo

Joe “Jaime” Guajardo, age 51, husband of Heidi McNeely Guajardo, passed on to a better place on November 11, 2024, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, after a brief but ferocious fight for his life. 

Jaime was born March 2, 1973, in Toppenish, Washington, to Gracie Guajardo and Frank Garcia. He was the oldest of 5 children on his mother’s side and oldest of 7 on his father’s side. He spent his early childhood in Washington, close with his Guajardo, Samaniego, and Garcia family. He grew up in McMinnville, Oregon, a small town where he earned his education and gained many lifelong friends. Growing up, he enjoyed spending time with his siblings and with his dad, Salvatore II, learning the value of hard work and education.

Jaime was many things to many people but above all he valued family and friendships that became like family. Some of his favorite memories were acting as cut man/corner man for his son Matthew’s MMA fights, figuring out computer issues and discussing cryptocurrency with his son Joseph, and designing/building anything from custom furniture, to chicken coops, and even a garage with his youngest son Jermias. 

Jaime and his youngest daughter, Kiarra, had a shared love for music, he enjoyed listening to her play various instruments and sing. 

His daughter Sierra was his first real love, every moment he had with her was important and special. Although they had their differences, Jaime always did his best to be there for her and loved her very much. In March of 2022, her children Josiah, Arabella, Emilio, and Elizabeth came to live with Jaime and Heidi, so Sierra could focus on her recovery and sobriety.  He always encouraged all of his children to follow their passions and find their best self along the way.

Jaime truly would give the shirt off of his back and the shoes off his feet to someone in need without judgment. He was always available with a hand up, a safe place to figure out what was next and his quiet strength and determination to help someone achieve their goals and dreams. Jaime had unfailing belief in people, even when they couldn’t find it themselves, and he was a role model and father figure to many who were trying to find their way just like he did. He was so proud to be “Dad” to these young people and he was always on hand for advice or encouragement. 

Jaime was incredibly intelligent and had earned several degrees and certificates after graduating from McMinnville High School including an Associates of Arts in Computer Aided Drafting from Chemeketa Community College in Salem and was near completion of an Associates of Science in Psychology from Klamath Community College. He also earned his certification as a Peer Recovery Mentor.  He mastered many careers including cable installer, construction and dry waller, power meter installer, ground level electrician and was always looking for the next challenge. Most recently he was a Conductor for Union Pacific Railroad which he enjoyed the challenge of but it did keep him on the road much of the time. 

Jaime had a great love for the outdoors, you could usually find him on a hike, bike ride, kayaking, running, fishing, swimming or even just walking out on the trails. He shared this hobby with his sons, taking them on hikes up Mt. McLoughlin and Hogsback and also with his best friend of 37 years, Tobin Tunison.  Every year Tobin and Jaime would travel up north and hike a part of the Pacific Coast Trail, taking their backpacks out for overnight camping in the woods or other outdoor adventures like rockhounding in Eastern Oregon. Jaime was also a proud breeder and exhibitor of champion English Bulldogs which was a continuation of his deep affection for his first bulldog, Gypsy, who was definitely waiting for him over the Bridge. He was also a founder of the Southern Oregon Bulldog Rescue with his wife. Jaime took great pride in taking in bulldogs that were sick, difficult or unwanted and helping them become healthy, happy dogs before sending them on to their forever family. Besides these things he enjoyed watching movies, listening to music, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Jaime is survived by his wife, Heidi; children Matthew (Krista), Joseph (Aleisha), Sierra, Jermias (Juhee) and Kiarra (Curtis); grandchildren Kaylani, Josiah, Arabella, Isabella, Curt, Sophia, Emilio, Elizabeth and Kalina; Dad Salvatore Eramo II and father Frank Garcia; brothers Israel, Joey, Salvatore III, Francisco Jr, Armando, Rudy, and Joshua; sisters Saria, Yinema, and Gabriella; children of his heart Simeon (Tory), Tito (Mari) and Zephyrine. He is also survived by many wonderful family members and friends. 

Jaime was preceded in death by his mother, Gracie, his father in law Jim, and father in law Gary and his beloved grandparents.

Due to the difficulty traveling during the winter months there will be two Celebration of Life services, one in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and one in Sunnyside, Washington. The first will be on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship, 400 Klamath Avenue, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 97601; the second will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Valley Hills Funeral Home, 531 South 16th Street, Sunnyside, Washington, 98944.