Mauricio Jimenez Jr.

Mauricio Jimenez Jr. was a remarkable man and a humanitarian of the first order. He loved his family dearly, was devoted to his community and committed to lifelong goals in education. Deeply proud of his heritage, he reveled in Hispanic culture and worked tirelessly for social justice that impacted the lives of people from all walks of life.

Mauricio’s story began during a decade of prosperity and disparity. Growing families worked to make the American Dream a reality, yet the “war on poverty” was needed to level the playing field. The military war in Vietnam sparked protests throughout the United States, yet nonviolent demonstrations launched the civil rights movement that became a dramatic force in American history. Mauricio’s own life was marked by efforts that sought “liberty and justice for all.”

Mauricio Jr. was born January 9, 1951 in Mission,Texas, the second of Mauricio S. Sr. and Christina (Rubio) Jimenez’s four children. While his mother cared for the children at home, Mauricio’s father worked as co-owner of a family restaurant in Mission. But in the summer of 1951, the family was forced to move because a deep freeze in Texas put stress on the food industry, and the restaurant could no longer afford to employ Mauricio Sr. Fortunately, he found work in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the family made the city their home all through Mauricio Jr.’s youth. Nicely settled, the family also traveled a great deal. They visited various sights in Texas, where Mauricio Sr. taught his children—Vickie, Mauricio Jr., Belinda and Ramon—about their Hispanic roots, culture and education.

Mauricio, Jr. attended Prescott Elementary School, Cunningham Jr. High and Moody High School. Throughout his schooling, Mauricio distinguished himself in academics, sports and community clubs. He was active in baseball, tennis, football and scouting, where he advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout, and he truly hit his stride as a runner in high school. Excelling in track, Mauricio set several state records that stand to this day and earned him a full scholarship to North Texas State University upon graduating from high school.

Mauricio put in two years at North Texas State until homesickness led to his transfer to Texas A & I University. Along with his high school sweetheart, Evelyna Rodriguez, Mauricio earned a bachelor’s degree in bi-lingual education in 1974. Both of them were recruited by Grand Rapids Public Schools in Michigan to bring bilingual teachers into the district. They were married and made the move to Grand Rapids.

In Grand Rapids, Mauricio began teaching at Buchanan Elementary School, and at the same time, he studied to earn his master’s degree in education from Grand Valley State University in nearby Allendale. He and Evelyna eventually moved to Detroit to study for their doctoral degrees in bilingual/bicultural education at Wayne State University and to work with the Detroit Public Schools. While at Wayne State, Mauricio had the opportunity to travel to England, Spain, Paris and Quebec. He worked with the Wayne County Intermediate School District in a Consortium with other school districts and was responsible for 36 districts in bilingual/bicultural education, soon after they were blessed with the birth of their son, Mauricio III. He retired from Grand Rapids Community College, where he had worked in the Assessment Center. However, throughout his career, Mauricio was a lifelong learner and attended many conferences and night classes that furthered his education and kept him relevant in an age of rapid change.

Valuing his education and his heritage, Mauricio became a member of the American GI Forum, a Mexican American Veterans organization that elevated the rights of Hispanic citizens; The League of United Latin American Citizens; and was a member and president of many Hispanic education organizations, including M.A.B.E and N.A.B.E. From his personal convictions and devotion to the Catholic faith, Mauricio couldn’t help but respond to people. Besides always “being there” for his family, Mauricio was a true friend, who wanted to lift up others in whatever circumstance. His involvement in political organizations and public events did a great deal to strengthen his community.

Mauricio’s love of life could be seen in his varied interests: art, museums, fishing, Kung Fu and Bruce Lee movies, Spanish and Tejano music, and Mexican foods. His own masterful skills at the barbeque grill contributed to many a feast of delicious traditional foods.

Sadness struck the family when Evelyna suffered a severe stroke and died four years later on December 22, 2003. It was a grave loss for Mauricio. Then, shortly after his wife’s death, he developed diabetes and later chronic kidney problems. He was on dialysis for six years, but his health continued to diminish. It was on Monday afternoon, May 16, 2011, that his sister Belinda came to pick him up for dialysis and found that he had died in his chair.

In his 60 years of life, Mauricio made a difference in the lives of the many people he served. He was dedicated to his family, culture and community. He will be deeply missed by all the people who had the privilege of crossing his path.

Mr. Mauricio Jimenez Jr. was preceded in death by his wife Evelyna Rodriguez Jimenez, his mother, Christina Jimenez, and his brother Ramon Lee Jimenez. He is survived by his son Mauricio Jimenez III, his father Mauricio Jimenez Sr.; his and sisters, Vicki Jimenez, Belinda Jimenez; his sister-in-law, Ilene Jimenez; the Rodriguez family in Corpus Christi, TX; his dear friends, Elias and Olga Vasquez; many nieces nephews extended family and many friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday morning at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 101 Hall St. SE. Relatives and friends may meet his family on Thursday from 6:00 – 9:00 PM with the rosary prayed at 7:00 PM. Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to DaVita Dialysis Center. To read more about Mauricio’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com