1934-2024
Jaime Julio Sanchez, 90, was born in Cali, Colombia in 1934 to Julio Sanchez and Mercedes Malet and passed away peacefully in Miami, Florida, surrounded by his entire family, on July 10, 2024. The family spent his final day listening to his favorite songs, retelling his jokes and stories, holding his hands, and praying together.
Known for his gregarious nature, Jaime's mission in life was to make people happy. He lived life to the fullest and loved to learn. Traveling the world with his wife and family members fueled him, as did taking risks. Fearless and legendary, he was a master raconteur, commanding rooms and even cruise ships with his stories, jokes, and impersonations, keeping everyone laughing and asking for more. His greatest pride was his family: daughters Elizabeth and Adriana, sons-in-law Francisco and Jesus Alberto, and grandchildren Eric and his wife Arantxa, Jacqueline, and Christina, and his 4-legged grandkids, Cupcake and Macho all from Miami and Arantxa from Mexico. Ensuring his children and grandchildren received a top-tier education was a priority for him.
Jaime and his wife, Stella, shared joy and sorrow with the births and deaths of their two oldest children, Mercedes and Cesar Humberto, but their strength together was unbreakable.
As a young man, Jaime worked alongside his father in their luxury furniture design studio and factory, El Taller Español, Julio Sanchez e Hijo. They created one-of-a-kind works of art for families and were even commissioned by the Vatican to create a Papal Carriage. Jaime, the sixth of seven children, was protective of his five sisters and adored his nieces and nephews. He had a passion for riding European cycles and created a skeleton key to abscond with his brother’s motorcycle every night to visit his beloved and embrace his free spirit. He and Stella took many trips through the coastlines and mountains of Latin America on a motorcycle with a sidecar.
A voracious reader, Jaime loved adventures most, with Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo being his favorite authors. His musical tastes spanned from classical to reggaeton, enjoying Czardas, Blondie, Carlos Vives, the Beatles, Daddy Yankee, and classical composers.
Jaime met the love of his life, Stella, in kindergarten, and they married at 19 in 1953, dedicating their lives to greater good and taking exciting risks. In Colombia, he was a serial entrepreneur, running his father-and-son furniture company and starting a small construction and real estate business. In 1964, he and Stella moved to the United States, beginning in Los Angeles and later settling in Miami, where they established their real estate company and grew their family.
Jaime's generosity was quiet and humble. His intelligence and artistry were unmatched, and he was patient, kind, compassionate, passionate, and funny. He was the most loving father and grandfather, teacher, and adventurer. Jaime and Stella traveled the world, climbed the Great Wall, saw many wonders, and made countless memories and friends. He lived to make everyone feel good, included, and welcome. Always ahead of his time, Jaime was the go-to person for solving problems.
He played many roles: dutiful tooth fairy all the way to extractions of wisdom teeth, Santa Clause, tetherball teammate, tea party attendee, client at imaginary restaurants, Easter bunny, bedtime storyteller with unique voices for each character, lullaby singer, tutor, cheerleader, chauffeur, videographer, Mr. Fix-it, motivator, counselor, tie-tying teacher, driving instructor, healer, guide, and life coach. He was always the loudest cheerleader for his loved ones' achievements, displaying their accomplishments proudly and savoring meals they cooked for him with high praise.
As a boy, Jaime would bring people in need home for meals, sharing what he had and begging his father to give them jobs. He believed everyone deserved a second chance. His exclusive salutation, “hoo hoo” in falsetto, and his hilarious impersonations of Walter Mercado, Mirta de Perales, and La Duquesa de Alba will always be remembered.
Jaime's legacy, admired and carried forward by his adoring family, is that of a larger-than-life figure whose presence was far and wide. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Stella, daughters Elizabeth and Adriana, sons-in-law Francisco and Jesus Alberto, grandchildren Eric and his wife Arantxa, Jacqueline, and Christina, sister Fannie, and beloved nieces and nephews.
A velorio for Jaime will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South, 11655 SW 117th Ave, Miami, FL 33186.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.11.2