Omar Jimenez

Dr. Omar Jimenez Popo was born in Timba (Cauca), October 12, 1932. His father’s name was Leopoldo Jimenez, and his mother’s Rosalia Popo. His maternal grandparents were Eladio Y Petrona Viveros. His paternal grandparents were Miguel Y Marcelina Lucumi. His siblings were Rosa, Ulysses, and Doris. He was the first in his family to seek secondary education and the first Afro/Hispanic to receive a Doctorate in his city of residence. At the age of 12 he was the head telegrapher in his town. He graduated High school November 24, 1954 and began medical school in 1955, graduating in 1961 from the University of Brazil, Rio De Janeiro. After medical school he practiced medicine in Buenaventura Colombia, where he was the principal surgeon in the region and performed countless surgical procedures. He was charitable and provided medical care to the poor. Following the American dream he immigrated to the United States from Colombia in 1974, initially settling down in Astoria Queens NY. Unlicensed to practice medicine upon arrival, he worked odd jobs including working as a gasoline attendant at night while studying for his exams during the day. He completed Medical Internship at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, and a Psychiatry residency at Albert Einstein University Hospital in the Bronx New York in 1977. For the next 30 years as a Psychiatrist he served the toughest and most vulnerable communities in NYC, both in English and Spanish, focusing on addition medicine. Dr. Jimenez retired and lived in Atlanta Georgia with his family until his passing at home March 18, 2021 at the age of 88. From his first marriage with Ines Jimenez Arbelaez, he leaves behind his children Omar Jimenez (Neurosurgeon), Miguel Jimenez (Orthopedic Spine Surgeon), Edward Jimenez (Entrepreneur), and Andres Jimenez (Physician and Entrepreneur). Grand children Joshua, Omar III, Andrew, Isabella, Ari, Miguelito, Cristian, Zen, Andresito, Alyas, and Mia. From his second marriage with Lourdes Jimenez Torres, he leaves behind his beautiful and accomplished daughters Carolyn( Hospital administrator graduate, entrepreneur), Katherine (Pre-law) and Peter a precocious lad. He was a hero to many in his family and his community, inspiring through example, mentorship, financial resources and love including the children of his sister Doris Fields, Hugo, Diego, Omar, Doris Patricia and countless other nephews, nieces, cousins and family members throughout Colombia and in the United States. He is survived by his sister Rosa Jimenez Popo. Dr. Jimenez was a pioneer, who escaped poverty, and broke through racial barriers in Colombia and the US, broke through language barriers to practice medicine in Portuguese, Spanish and English. He believe whole heartedly in the power of education to elevate individuals and the generations that follow. He is the American dream, and he will never be forgotten.

Tributes

Omar Jimenez

October 12, 1932 - March 18, 2021