Georges Jean

Georges Jean was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti on April 5, 1950 to the parentage of Theodore Jean and Carmen Papillon Jean. His childhood and educational studies took place in Port-Au-Prince. As a young boy, he attended Lycée Petion (elementary school). After completing the school year in 1970 (Rhetorique grade level - possibly equivalent to one year after High School) at College Classique, he left Haiti on March 27, 1971 to join his family in New York City.

While living in New York City with the family, he took advanced English courses in order to be more fluent in English. Two years later, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) and served for 24 years. He earned rank of Master Sergeant. His primary Specialty was Information Management Craftsman (3A071). Georges also earned the following medals/Awards/Ribbons:

• Joint Service Achievement Medal with 1 device,

• Air Force Achievement Medal

• Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 devices

• Defense Meritorious Service Medal with 2 devices

• Air Force Training Ribbon

• Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon

• Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon

• National Defense Service Medal with 1 device

• Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 devices

• NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with 1 device

• Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/Rifle

• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 device

• Joint Meritorious Unit Award

• Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 6 devices

He served 2 August 1990 to 31 March 1997, in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

During his tour from 1973 to 1997, he had the opportunity to travel all over. He was stationed in many part of the United States to include oversea (Madrid, Spain).

Georges was a very simple and private person. He truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. His favorite sport was soccer. As a young boy during summer vacation at his mom's hometown in Haiti, he played for a soccer team. Georges enjoyed watching a great soccer game and his favorite team was Brazil. He also played for the USAF. Georges enjoyed outdoor activities such as bird hunting. Georges spoke Creole, French, English and Spanish. Also, he loved music especially Haitian Compas. His favorite place for peacefulness was a town in the southern part of Haiti (Trou Bois). Georges was also a very caring, giving and helpful individual who was always ready to reach out and help anyone in need.

Georges decided to go back to his home country after he retired and established an ice factory located in the southern part of Haiti (Corail family home town). The factory was managed like a family business. It was very exciting and fulfilling for Georges who was able to accomplish this task despite difficult conditions (lack of electricity, poor roads) that exist in such environment. The business was constructed primarily to keep Georges busy and as a benefit for the people who lived in this town. After a couple of years, due to the lack of demands for the quantity of ice that was being produced, it was not possible to keep the factory running. Georges then went back to Port-Au-Prince.

During his stay in Miami, Florida from time to time after the 2010 earthquake that took place in Haiti, family member noticed that Georges was not himself. He was showing some signs of confusion and lost of memory. Being the private person that he was, he decided not to share his symptoms with family. Due to continuous unusual behavior, the family offered to take Georges to the doctor for an evaluation on several occasions. Of course, he refused to be evaluated for possible memory loss. Finally, he was initially seen by a Neurologist in 2014 where aricept and memantin (medications) were recommended. The family continued to assist and care for Georges until March 2016. It became evident that the family was unable to further care for him due to the development of his illness. The Miami VA Medical Center recommended and admitted Georges to a Nursing facility. According to a neurology report dated May 17, 2016, it stated that Georges has been diagnosed with advanced dementia c/w frontal temporal dementia.

Sadly on April 23, 2020, Georges' sister (his appointed guardian since March 21, 2017) was notified by Pacifica Senior Living that Georges had passed.

Georges is survived by his wife Nabi and he will be forever remembered by his aunt Christiane who is also his God-mother, by his brother and sister Claude and Ginette, by his nieces Jennifer, Regine, Marlene and Sabine who is also his goddaughter. Georges will also be remembered by his numerous cousins, extended family and friends.