Jaime Enriquez Pelen

Jaime Enriquez Pelen, known lovingly as Honey, Dad, Kuya Jim, Papa, Uncle Jim or Jimmy, was born June 28, 1956 in Manila, Philippines. He was the first and oldest son of Papa David and Grandma Pinang Josefina. He attended St. Andrew's High School where he played basketball. He also attended Adamson University for two years before moving to the United States with his grandparents Tatay Pedro and Nanay Augustina Pelen in 1972. He enlisted into the military at age 18 from San Francisco, CA.

While in the Air Force, when stationed on the island of Guam, he experienced love at first sight. During his tour in Guam, he met the woman he would later marry, Corazon Umayam Pelen. After exchanging love letters and visits back and forth with Cora, across different islands, countries and cities, Jimmy proposed to Cora in Santa Monica, CA then they married on January 20, 1979 on Clark Air Force Base in Angeles, Pampanga, Philippines. They lived a loving marriage for 44 years, to his last moments.

Their love birthed 3 kids who survive him: the eldest and only daughter Jamie Pelen Ochoa (and her husband Gaston), his first son James Anthony Pelen (and his wife Justine), and his youngest son Justin Clark Pelen (and his wife Alyssa). He was blessed with 2 grandkids: Noah Anthony Pelen (8 years old) and Kyrie Elizabeth Pelen (5 years old) by James and Justine. (Plus 3 grand-dogs who he spoiled just as his grandkids too: Chancho, Dayzee, and Ben.)

In addition to this family, he also leaves behind his father David, his brother Dennis, his half brothers Alex, Jeffrey, Richard, Walter, Michael, Gilbert, and Roland, and his half sisters Emelyn and Annabelle.

Jimmy served this country for 22 years in the US Air Force as an Electrical Technician ranking as a Master Sergeant (MSGT) during Desert Storm and receiving the medals for many achievements and commendations such as Air Force Longevity Service Award and National Defense Service Medal. He continued serving the country in his second career as a mail handler for the United States Postal Service, where he retired after another 22 years of service. Those who knew Jimmy knew how hard-working and determined he was. In his retired life, he enjoyed playing golf and would even compete in tournaments for fun. He also enjoyed traveling the world with his “Honey,” Cora, hanging out in the backyard pool in their home in Yucaipa, watching sports (especially his beloved Raiders football team!) and most of all spending time with his numerous friends, family, and loved ones, especially his wife, kids and grandkids.

Jimmy’s legacy of love, authenticity, and faith in God will live on in the stories shared about him by his loved ones. Throughout his life, he followed a Christlike path. The memories that live in us serve as a testimony to his impact on our lives, by his presence in our hearts.

July 5, 2023

4-8pm viewing

Montecito Valley View Chapel

3520 East Washington Street.

Colton, CA 92324

Presider for Rosary at 4: Father Einer Ochoa

July 6, 2023

9:30am Mass

St. Frances X Cabrini Church

12687 California Street

Yucaipa, CA

Presider: Fr. Einer Ochoa

Deacon: Deacon Edwin Estrella

Concelebrant: Fr. Santos Ortega

July 6, 2023

12:00 Ceremony at Cemetery

Riverside National Cemetery

22495 Van Buren Boulevard

Riverside, CA 92518

Blessing of the casket:

Father Einer

Deacon Edwin

*burial is a private burial

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Pelen family.