Jaime Molina Sanchez Sr.

Jaime Molina Sanchez Sr., months shy of 94, passed away on Saturday February 6th, 2021 at 2:06pm. He took his last breath in the home of his eldest daughter, Marissa and husband Jubert in Houston, Texas where he spent his eventual last 4 yrs of life.

Jaime Sr., endearingly known as ‘Totoy’, was born on June 4th, 1927 in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines to Gil A. Sanchez Sr., a school teacher from San Juan and Maria Molina of the southern city, Antique; full-time mother to Jaime Sr., her fifth child, along with his 12 siblings.

With an innate voracity to protect and honor his home, Jaime Sr. didn’t skip a beat before enlisting in the army to fight alongside the U.S. at the height of WWII. He was an infantryman part of the D-company in the 121st regiment. Jaime Sr. lied about his age and put his life on the line at only 17, to the avail and victory of our world’s history.

Post war, he spent one year studying architecture, then worked for Coca Cola & Pepsi as a bottler. Eventually he began his own business painting cars. During this time he also married his high school sweetheart, Raymunda ‘Gunding’ Fontanilla, a teacher, in 1954.

Jaime Sr. immigrated to Chicago with his brother Manuel to make a living as a factory technician for Julian Electric in 1981. Upon retirement, he traveled between New Jersey, Washington & Texas to fulfill grandfather duties before returning to San Juan.

When he was diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer in 2014, he permanently moved back to the U.S. to be nearer to his family.

Jaime Sr. was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Rizalina Gaerlan, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Aurora Espiritu, & Florence Agustin; & brothers: Alfonso, Antonio, Ismael Sr., & Gil Jr.

He is survived by his siblings: Manuel Sr., Ritchilda & Grace; his wife Gunding, married for 67 yrs; four children: Jaime Jr., Ronald, Marissa & Leah; grandchildren: Jaime Sanchez III, Christian, Raissa, Dalisay, Jaimeley, Karla, Armida, Paolo, Rajinee, Diolino & Malaya.

As a man committed to service at one of the greatest heights of our world’s history, beating cancer, and nearly a pandemic, Jaime Sr. will be remembered as someone who was outspoken and strong-willed in his beliefs; a husband, father, grandfather, painter, church-singer, and a forever-fighter.

Special thanks to Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Julia Rios who was his caregiver for 4 yrs from Axis Care Home Health, Amedysis Hospice, UCC Capitol Church, Rev. David Pantermuehl & Grace UCC.

A visitation will be held on Feb.15 2021, from 12:30-2:30pm, followed by a funeral service at 2:30pm. Burial and committal at 3:30pm, and a reception from 4:00-6:00pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX.