Rafael Jaimes Serrano

Rafael Jaimes Serrano, 61, passed away on January 21, 2023.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Rita I. Serrano; children, Jesus Alberto Correa Hernandez, Angelica Serrano, Cecilia Serrano and Fabian Serrano; grandchildren, Alejandra Hernandez and Samantha Hernandez; siblings, Maria de la Luz Serrano Jaimes, Javier Jaimes Serrano, Maria Teresa Serrano Jaimes, Guadalupe Serrano Jaimes and Raquel Serrano Jaimes; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you live long in the land of the LORD your God is giving you.”

-Exodus, 20:12

A man filled with love, who knew sacrifice, honored God, and who gave his heart to his wife and family, has become an engraved legacy that will live forever. Rafael Jaimes Serrano was born in Mexico City, México. He was born to Felipa Jaimes and Manuel Serrano who were blessed with six children, Rafael included. As a boy, Rafael was respectful and joyful. He brought a smile in every family gathering even into his adulthood. He lit up the room with an incomparable glow.

Although Rafael, grew up in poverty he was rich in family, love, and God’s graces. He strived to support his parents and later a family of his own. His love for education and

the American Dream ignited a passion for education, although he never made it past the sixth grade due to his childhood’s financial circumstances. Upon leaving school, he acquired work to help support his siblings and parents. It wasn’t until a few years later, that he received a favorable opportunity to come into the United States for work. He lived in Honolulu, Hawaii, a tiny island at the time, confronting challenges with a new language, culture, and way of life. He embraced every moment of it, for his family.

God blessed Rafael with a friend, who later became his wife. He gave his heart to his wife with an unconditional love and devotion to her. She made him incandescently happy and through their love brought their children into the world. United and rooted in prayer and faith, this little family became the whole world. They laughed together, traveled together, and made memories with each other. His children were taught valuable lessons through their father’s life and example. They learned to love, to dream, to hope, to fight, to live.

Our father inspired each of us to strive for an American Dream that he wanted for us. His teachings will never, ever, be forgotten. Rafael loved the value and beauty of this great Nation. He admired the strength of our founding fathers, the Declaration of Independence, the freedom, liberty, and unity that made this country what it is today. He valued the power of education and striving for a better life. Above all, he found refuge in a home which he has and always will be the foundation of.

He was a man dedicated to all his children and to his beloved wife, whose love is unimaginably so strong and powerful. Our father believed in dedication, perseverance, respect, responsibility, honor, citizenship, love, and faith in God. He was an exceptional husband, father, and human being. His legacy lives on now, with his children, grandchildren, and wife, who are the love of his life forever and ever. You will forever be loved Rafael, daddy, husband, grandfather & friend!

“Mi papá tuvo que aprender inglés. No obtuvo una educación alta. Su vida no ha sido tan fácil. Pero, a pesar de todo, el siguió adelante y siempre fue y ha sido muy agradecido a Dios. Gracias a mi papá yo tengo la oportunidad de saber inglés con fluidez, pude terminar el colegio, y obtener sus sueños para mí. Quiero que los esfuerzos de mi padre no sean en vanos. Quiero darle una vida mejor y quiero que el este orgulloso de todo lo que él ha dado por nosotros. Mi papá enfrento muchas fronteras en su vida. Enfrento el trabajo, el idioma, un nuevo país, pero a pesar de todo, siguió adelante por nosotros y todo lo ha hecho con amor. Te amo con todo mi corazón papá. Todos tus hijos, hermanos, y nuestra mamá te quieren con toda el alma. Gracias por todo lo que hiciste por nosotros.”

-Familia Serrano; written by Angélica Serrano, PhD