Jamil Elias Boukarim

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Jamil Boukarim on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 at the age of 66.

Jamil Elias Boukarim was born on June 1st, 1959 in Lebanon to Elias and Abla Boukarim. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Nina, his two daughters Gina and Christy, and his son George.

Jamil spent his youth in his home country until he was 17 years old. He then emigrated to the United States to seek opportunity and escape the civil war that plagued his homeland.

Jamil moved in with his sister, Ida, and family in Upstate New York. He worked odd jobs to support himself on his path to eventually moving to Texas to seek a civil engineering degree from The University of Houston. He then moved to Austin, Texas to build his future.

In Austin, Jamil found a home that suited his personality well. His entrepreneurial prowess shined, and over time, he became a name synonymous with downtown and its vibrant culture. He wisely leveraged hard work, focus, and discipline to serve him well over the years in the nightclub, real estate, and restaurant industries. He opened the night clubs Jeremiahs, Cocktails, Carnival, Dantes, Enigma, Sky Lounge, Planeta, Cielo/Deseo, and famously, Paradox, that shaped Austin’s social culture and growth in the 90s. He passed the torch of Cielo Nightclub to his beloved nephew, best friend, and most trusted partner, Eli. His success traveled to College Station as he invested in several businesses with the Dallis family, his second family.

Jamil seeked out his life partner, Nina, from his home country. Nina and Jamil built a wonderful life and family together. They had three children, Gina, George, and Christy. They are all adults now and had a wonderful childhood that allowed them to enjoy the duality of both the American and Lebanese cultures.

Jamil left a permanent impact on many people in a variety of ways. His love language was action. His impact was always infused with his generous heart, lightning quick wit, and sociable nature. A persona, as large as his, undoubtedly occupied a large place in many people’s hearts and lives and cannot be replaced.

Jamil was a beautiful soul that was taken from us too soon. The world will be a little duller without his bright smile, generosity, and guidance.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church on Monday, November 10, at 10 AM. From there, we will go to Austin Memorial Park Cemetery at 12:30 PM where he will be laid to rest. After burial, we will come back to St. Theresa Hall at 1 PM for a mercy meal and to celebrate his life.