It is with a mix of sadness and relief that we share the passing of Jayme Hernandez on 09/10/25. He was a man who loved his family and friends, used humor to break the ice, and left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Born on 11/08/1975 in New York City, Jayme was born with congenital heart defects so from very early on his life his was a journey filled with doctors’ appointments, testing and surgeries. Even as a child, Jayme showed courage and resilience. His mother, Lillian Perez, moved him to Tampa, FL where he grew up with his Grandparents Joseph and Matilde Perez, who have since passed. Jayme was also fortunate to have a brother named Robert Arnold, Jr. Despite their 14-year age difference they grew closer as adults and shared a many of the same ideologies.

Jayme made his living in the lighting industry as a salesman. He started working for his mom, Lilly, who taught him all about the trade but also fostered his sense of work ethic. Jayme wasn’t just exceptional at what he did, he was a mentor, a friend, and someone you could go to ask for help with anything. He took pride in his work and making connections for himself and helping others succeed in their own professional and personal lives. Lilly was also very proud of Jayme for being the first in the family to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Jayme was a devoted husband to Jessica, sharing a love story that spanned almost 30 years, first as friends, then they began dating in 2013 and were married in 2018. Together, they built a life full of laughter, love, and friendship. He was also a proud father to Bella, teaching her intentional and unintentional lessons about the world – the good and bad. Bella was six years old when Jayme and Jessica started dating. They were fast friends when he showed up to meet her with a SpongeBob stuffed animal that had angel wings, which now is kind of interesting, in retrospect. He absolutely adored Bella and often said that she and his wife Jessica were his whole world.  The three of them loved to play games together, watch shark documentaries, visit aquariums and cook together.

With many physical and mental health problems, Jayme was deemed permanently disabled in 2019 due to congestive heart failure and liver cirrhosis. His family worked to help him, especially his wife Jessica, brother Rob and mother-in-law Linda Z. She took him to doctors’ appointments, talked to him daily and tried to be a pillar of support. Sadly, Jayme’s addictions cost him many relationships and ultimately; his life.

By way of cautionary tale, Jayme taught us how to live with purpose, embrace challenges, and cherish every moment. Now he is free to serve and provide love and energy that he could not give before. Because now Jayme is whole and can protect us in a way that he could not when he was broken. We invite you to choose to celebrate the happy times along with us and remember him as a loving husband and father, son, brother, cousin, friend or coworker or whatever he was to you when he was well and happy.

Jayme is survived by wife Jessica, daughter Bella, brother Rob, mother Lilly, mother-in-law Linda, father in law John V. and three cats, Sniffy, Ash and Finn, who will carry forward his legacy of love and strength. He is now reunited with stepfather Robert Arnold, Sr, Stepfather in law Henry Z, Grandmother in law Gloria V., and our first cat Moo Moo, whose memories he held close to his heart.

We will be celebrating Jayme’s life on 10/18/2025 from 3pm – 6:30pm at Harbor Hall located at 1190 Georgia Ave, Palm Harbor, FL 34683. There will be a short service following by a reception with food and desserts. Everyone who knew him is invited to join us in honoring his memory and the joy he brought to so many lives. Please reach out to Jessica with any questions. We look forward to seeing you soon.