Jorge Ramos Memorial Scholarship

Jorge Ramos passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 20,2020 at the age of 63 after a five-year fierce battle with cancer. He grew up in Terra Bella with his mother (Alicia Ramos) father (Carl Ramos) brothers (Art Flores), (Johnny Ramos), and sisters (Marta Ramos Wells), (Sandra Ramos), (Meliza Ozuna), and (Melinda Ramos). His father was a Veteran that fought in World War II in the South Pacific. Under the government sponsored Bracero program his family-built Row houses on their property to house seasonal migrant farm workers that they brought to the U.S., provided for, and cared for. Jorge had fond memories of helping his parents transport, feed, and befriend these farm workers that would often return to their house to express gratitude to the Ramos family. Jorge attended grade school in Terra Bella and became connected with a network of childhood friends that turned into lifelong friends still close to this day. He went on to attend Porterville High School where he excelled in athletics and extra-curricular activities. A friend commented that “Jorge was not only a natural athlete, he was a natural leader and captain of nearly every team he was on and student body President- people gravitated to his humble confidence, positivity, and encouragement.” He went on to break the baseball school record in -hits in a season in 1974 which held (31 years) until 2005. He played baseball at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo filling Ozzie Smith’s spot at short stop after he transitioned to the majors.

He graduated with a degree in Graphic Design and went on to use that degree when he started a screen-printing company called Active Prints. With contracts from New York to Los Angeles he had a successful career working with many up and coming surf and beach ware brands like O’Neill. One of his proudest moments was traveling to the Billabong Pro surf contest at Sunset Beach in Hawaii and watching the surfers in the contest wear Rash guards that his company had printed. He had a heart for serving the community and was involved in Kiwanis for over 25 years, even holding the role of President for a season. He later transitioned to work in the staffing industry and worked in a role that made him come alive “finding jobs for people” for almost 30 years. He loved people and people loved him. His network was large and he enjoyed connecting people. 

He also loved giving back and was a phenomenal coach. As soon as his sons were old enough to join a team, he signed up to coach those teams. From T-ball to Golden West High School baseball over the years he has poured his unwavering encouragement and positivity into a countless number of fortunate youths. He had the gift of being able to believe in and see something in individuals that they couldn’t see in themselves. More remarkable, he spoke attributes into people’s lives with such certainty and conviction that made people feel the momentum of his hope, -fueling them to step into being the person he told them they could be. He adored his wife of nearly 40 years, (Julie Ramos) and loved whisking her off on fun adventures. They were able to travel throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and the Hawaiian Islands. His children and their spouses (Janay & Aaron Marshall, Jon & Courtney Ramos, Jasun Ramos) were his pride and joy and he loved watching them play sports, visiting them, and getting time with them. He was a remarkable grandfather to Aricin (12), Talia (10), Oliver (8), and Riley (2) and loved playing with them and spoiling them.

He was a man of faith, loved Jesus, and believed and trusted in God’s plan and providence over our lives. He had a firm belief that we aren’t here for our own devices and pleasures. Instead he affirmed that we live in a big world filled with needs and we are called to help our friends, neighbors, and strangers. He found great joy in serving others. From bringing gifts to sick kids in the Hospital, to helping others with a move, to feeding the homeless, if he felt God urging him to do something, he never resisted that nudge, but instead always jumped at the opportunity to help and give with open hands.

His family would love to continue his Legacy of giving back. We are fundraising to create a memorial scholarship in his name. We also hope to have an annual golf tournament fundraiser to keep this scholarship going year after year.