Dr. Jonathan Samuel Uyere

Dr. Jonathan S. Uyere was born on August 24, 1948, in Ivrogbo, Nigeria to Samuel and Grace Uyere. During his childhood, he attended Catholic school where he was an excellent student—his report cards described him as “humble, respectful, honest, and hardworking”, which were traits he carried throughout his life.

In 1971, following the completion of high school, Jonathan left Nigeria in pursuit of his dream of attaining higher education. First, he went to Germany where he studied while working for Mercedes Benz as a mechanic. It was there at the Mercedes Benz headquarters in Germany where he discovered his fascination for engineering and automotive repair.

In 1974, Jonathan left Germany to further pursue his dream in America. He arrived in Los Angeles, California and immediately began intensely studying. He worked full-time as a mechanic on the graveyard shift at Knudsen servicing the refrigerated trucks and went to school full-time during the day. He began his coursework at Glendale Community College, then transferred to California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), where he completed a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts and a master’s degree in Vocational Education, respectively in 1981 and 1983. CSULA was not only the place that helped Jonathan reach his educational aspirations, but also where in a History class he met Margarita Chavoya, who later he would marry and had three beautiful children, Jensen (‘82), Jennifer (‘86), and Jerry-Justin (‘91). Jonathan’s dream was always to achieve the highest level of education possible, which he did in 1986, when he earned his doctorate degree in Education.

Following the completion of his doctorate degree, Dr. Uyere went on to become a professor at Long Beach Community College and Los Angeles Unified School (LAUSD). At LAUSD, Dr. Uyere enjoyed working closely with adult students while he taught automotive mechanics at Maxine Waters Occupational Center. In 1986, Dr. Uyere was featured in the Los Angeles Harold Examiner Newspaper for his dedication to teaching.

Sadly, in 1992, Dr. Uyere was horrifically assaulted by the tool keeper in the automotive workshop at LAUSD. Dr. Uyere spent 8 months in the Intensive Care Unit fighting for his life as he underwent various surgeries to repair several fractures in his neck and spine. One of the most life-changing surgeries Dr. Uyere underwent was a neck and spine surgery, which required a cranial halo device drilled into his skull. The recovery process was very intense as he had to relearn to walk and write. The gravity of the injuries forced Dr. Uyere into early retirement. Despite all of the adversity Dr. Uyere experienced, he decided to reinvent himself to be able to provide for his family. With the help and steadfast support of his wife Margarita, together they built various businesses, such as Fashion Design Studio and Five J’s Auto Service Inc., as well as built an extensive real estate portfolio.

Everyone who met Dr. Uyere knew he was always very formal and respectful as he addressed everyone using proper titles, such as “madame” and “sir” in his thick British accent. He always had a beaming smile while giving everyone he met a green shop pen as he invited them to the family business he was very proud of. Dr. Uyere fervently loved his family, greatly valued education, loved to dance, and felt enormous joy hosting people. Anytime, anyone visited his home, he was known for being very hospitable— serving drinks and food as he always wanted guests to feel happy. As much as Dr. Uyere was a very happy and kind man, he also had a temper which mitigated quickly as his loving character always overpowered.

Dr. Jonathan S. Uyere proudly leaves his image in this world by way of two of his surviving children (Jennifer and Jerry-Justin), three grandchildren who are children of his deceased son Jensen (Jaileen, Jayden, and Jason), and is also survived by his wife Margarita. Dr. Jonathan S. Uyere has now gone home to join his son Jensen and his parents in eternal rest.