Jorge Luis Garcia, Jr.

Jorge Luis Garcia, Jr. was born December 20, 1951, in Havana, Cuba, to parents Jorge Luis Garcia, Sr., and Carman Garcia, and passed from this life April 7, 2021, in Hot Springs, Ark. His dad was a pitcher with the Cuban baseball league. After his dad's baseball career, he began a career making eyeglasses. In 1957, the family immigrated to New York City. On Jorge's first airplane ride to America, the airplane caught on fire. Luckily, the engine fire was extinguished and the flight made it safely into New York with one engine. After a few years in New York City, the family relocated to Rochester, New York, where his dad continued his career with Bausch + Lomb, and his mother began her career with Eastman Kodak. One of his fondest memories with his dad was going to Yankee Stadium to see the Yankees play baseball. When Jorge was 16 years old, he and his parents became American citizens together of which he was a very proud American. Jorge graduated in the top of his class at Rochester East High School. He received an accounting degree from Munroe County College, a BA degree in finance from the State University of New York, and an Executive MBA Degree from Wake Forest University. Jorge met his wife, Karen, while both were working on a project in Washington, D.C. After their marriage, they made their home in Hot Springs, Ark., Karen's hometown. Jorge settled into the South well and became involved in the Hot Springs community. Jorge was a graduate of the Hot Springs Leadership Class and in Class 1 of Arkansas Leadership. He is a past president of Sunrise Rotary Club, past president of Hot Springs Civitan Club, past president of CASA, past president of the Arkansas Hispanic Caucus, past president of LULAC, a past member of Hot Springs Kiwanis Club, and volunteer at HSDFI. Jorge was recognized by the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce as Man of the Year and has also been recognized as a Past Democrat Man of the Year in Hot Springs. In 2006, Jorge became the first Hispanic elected to public office in Arkansas when he was elected to the Garland County Quorum Court. He took this position very seriously and enjoyed serving Garland County and serving with the other Quorum Court members who became respected friends. Jorge stayed active in the community as long as he was physically able. He was a licensed financial advisor and retired from Stephens, Inc. He loved assisting his clients with their financial planning and investments. Jorge made many friends through his life and career and appreciated each one. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one granddaughter, Taliyah. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Karen; and their children, Nick (Jammie), Ken, Jeff, Jennifer (Phil); grandchildren, Paige (Dave), Krista (Daxton), Katie, Kayna (Divon), Sydney (Alex), Tessa, Dawson, Jeremy, Antonio, Olivia, Vanessa, Micah, Lexie; great-grandchildren, Nixon and Boone; sister, Maria (Michael); cousin who he regarded as a sister, Maggie (Tito); sister-in-law, Rhonda (David); mother-in-law, Ida Mae Sealy; niece and nephews, Sealy, Zane, Brysen, Bruce; his favorite aunt, Carman; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. Jorge loved his family very much and enjoyed spending time with them. He was a longtime Yankees baseball fan, Buffalo Bills football fan, and all golf. Although he was no longer able to play golf, he enjoyed watching it on TV. He and his wife enjoyed cruise vacations as long as he was able to travel, visiting family and friends, and participating in Forest Lakes Activities. Jorge was a member of Lake Valley Community Church and is at peace with the Lord. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, 155 Section Line Road, with Pastor Lamar Trieschmann officiating. Immediately following the service, a reception will be at the Centre at Forest Lakes located at 305 Forest Lakes Blvd, Hot Springs. Burial will take place at Gilchrist Cemetery in Friendship. Honorary pallbearers include Brenda and Wilbur Perez, Tricia Ransom, the doctors, nurses, CNAs and staff with Arkansas Hospice, Randy Gaither, Woody Gaither, Robert Sealy, Carl Sealy, Steve Street, Wayne Sealy, and Judge Daryl Mahoney. Much love and appreciation especially to Brenda and Wilbur for the loving care they provided for Jorge. Memorials may be made to Lake Valley Community Church, Arkansas Hospice, or to the Jorge L. Garcia Jr. Memorial Fund, to assist Hispanics in furthering their education and/or run for public office. Online condolences at www.caruth-hale.com.