Jaime Martinez

On Sunday, March 25th at 2:22 p.m. our son and brother Jaime Martinez passed away at home. As the cold wind roared, it seemed as though the heavens opened up to let his son Jaime through its wondrous skies. As his body was being taken away, immediately tear drops fell from the sky and drenched his wrapped body.

Jaime was born in Tijuana, Mexico on October 17th, 1973. He was born prematurely and barely weighed 6 lbs. He was beautiful, with his blond curly hair and bright blue eyes. From the beginning Jaime struggled to walk, talk and grew at a much slower pace than children his same age. Jaime had no defined diagnoses for many years. In 1988, Jaime was actually diagnosed with Autism. He had an incredible memory for people, phone numbers and those who owed him money.

One of the proudest moments, was in 1993 when Jaime received a standing ovation and received the “Principals Award” from Southwest High School at his graduation ceremony. The entire audience stood and cheered for our little man. Tears of joy filled our eyes. Then ten years later he was still well remembered by his classmates and was crowned “Reunion King”.

After graduating Jaime immediately began working with his father at the tire shop in Chula Vista called, “Martinez Tires”. Jaime worked there for over 15 years and seriously thought he was the Owner. He soon took charge of the money and loved receiving tips. Here is where Jaime fell in love with the “one” dollar bills, he became obsessed with collecting “ones” and he had an even harder time spending them.

Jaime loved life and loved being around people. He was definitely the center of our attention, as you can see in most of our family photos. On YOUR birthday Jaime gave you the honor of taking a picture with you. Everywhere he went there was always someone who knew him. Jaime was just so friendly and polite, he didn’t know how to be any different.

His past time was the Padres and WWE. He loved those Padres. He never missed a baseball game or an episode of wrestling, which was the only time he would completely ignore his family, and don’t even dare touch that remote. It was his time!

A few weeks before his passing, Andy the Chaplain from Seasons Hospice came by the house to visit with Jaime. He asked us if we had talked to Jaime about death. We explained he was not able to grasp the concept or even understand he may be dying. This was the Chaplain’s first question. “Jaime, do you know about GOD?” Jaime responded, “Yes, I have heard of him, but I never met him” Then the Chaplain asked, “if you had one day to do whatever you wanted, what would it be?” With a BIG smile, Jaime said “I would like to go to the swap meet with my dad and buy some tires.” We knew Jaime just wanted to be with his dad.

The day Jaime came home from a brief stay at a nursing home, he was brought into the house and with a big smile and said, “My dad is here”. For the next couple of days some of us had our own encounters with dad. There was no doubt he was present. On Friday before Jaime passed, Jaime was able to speak to each and every one of his nieces and nephews, it was a good day, he joked with them and we had several laughs. One of Jaime’s biggest disappointments in life was losing his license due to his continual seizures. Before his passing we lied and told him his driver’s license was reinstated, he was thrilled and was telling all of us the FABULOUS news. It is still so hard to believe 48 hrs later, Jaime would leave this world. We were blessed to have reassurance after his passing that Jaime was going to be with his father Juan.

Jaime will always be in our hearts. He has left a huge impression in this world and has taught us so much. It is not an embarrassment to have such a special person in your family. We have learned so much from Jaime and those with Autism or special needs.

We consider ourselves lucky to have had such an amazing son and brother. Jaime was pure love, laughter and our “Angel”.

Special thanks to those who would call him on his cell phone, you made his day! We created a problem the day we put a song ring tone for his cell phone, he liked the song so much, that when people called he would forget to answer his phone call because he was too busy dancing to the music.

Our deepest gratitude to our Uncle Jesus, Dr. Alksne from UCSD, The Arc of San Diego and the staff from Season’s Hospice, Jennifer, Denise, Lorena and Hong. Also, to our family and friends who have been so supportive during this very difficult time. Jaime appreciated each and every one of you who came by to see him.

We don’t know what we would have done with out all of you…… We love you!

In lieu of flowers, we welcome a Tribute Gift in honor of Jaime, to The Arc of San Diego or go to the website www.arc-sd.com and click on *Make a gift or mail your donation to:

The Arc of San Diego

3030 Market Street

San Diego, CA 92102

619-685-1175 or [email protected]

Sincerely,

Martinez Family