Jaime U Jurado's Obituary
Jaime U. Jurado passed away Friday, February 16, 2024 at the age of 89.
Jaime was born in Panama City, Panama and emigrated to the United States as a young child with his mother, Raquel and brother, Rodrigo. Settling in Tampa, Florida, Jaime attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Jesuit High School graduating in 1954. A part-time job delivering newspapers introduced him to members of the Leto family and during a visit to Clearwater Beach, he was introduced to Teresa Leto. She asked if he liked to dance, he said no, but later attended a dance hoping to see Teresa. They have been dancing together ever since.
After high school, Jaime served in the Army and when he returned, he married Teresa and began working for Electric Machinery Company, an electrical contracting firm founded by his father-in-law, James Leto. Teresa and Jaime worked side-by-side at Electric Machinery growing the business and building a family including sons Kurt and Keith and daughter Kathy.
Electric Machinery Company grew into Electric Machinery Enterprises (EME). Now CEO, Jaime expanded the business both locally and internationally with projects in the Caribbean and Middle East. Regionally, EME was responsible for the electrical work at TECO Big Bend Power Station, St. Joseph’s Hospital, the original Tampa Stadium and other infrastructure projects that contributed significantly to the growth of the Tampa Bay Area. By 1996, EME had become the largest minority owned employer in the State of Florida with over 600 employees.
Jaime was a devout Catholic and generous supporter of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and St. Peter Claver Catholic School in Tampa. He was also a devoted Bucs fan and an original season ticket holder of the team. Jaime and Teresa lived in the Riverside Heights neighborhood for most of their lives.
Jaime is survived by his wife of 66 years, Teresa, his children Kurt (Janeen), Kathy Jurado Muñoz (George) and Keith (Crystal). He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Alecia Emidy (Matt), Austin (Meaghan), Jessica Franco (Aeon), Jaime, Gino, Manuel Muñoz and Mario Muñoz and great-grandchild Avery Emidy.
Jaime was predeceased by his mother Raquel and brother Rodrigo.
The family has request that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the following links:
St. Lawrence Catholic Church
https://osvhub.com/stlawrencetampa/giving/funds
Metropolitan Ministries
https://secured.metromin.org/page/40506/donate/1?_ga=2.110871173.1827335792.1708191721-94094735.1708191721
Feeding Tampa Bay
https://feedingtampabay.org/donate
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