Felix Lima

LIMA, FELIX, died peacefully on August 30, 2008. He was born in Cuba on May 2, 1938. Felix came from Cuba in 1960 and, as a young man, joined the C.I.A. as a Communication Officer, and also took part in the Bay of Pigs Invasion. After that, he moved to Milwaukee, WI, where he obtained a Master's Degree from Marquette University in Business Administration. In 1969, he married his wife Sonia - who has always been by his side and remained there for 39 years - and moved back to Miami with her and his much loved mother-in-law Aida. Thereafter, he worked for the I.R.S. and served as an Adjunct Instructor at Broward Community College and Florida International University. In 1972, he obtained his license as a C.P.A. and established his accounting firm through which he practiced for many years. In pursuit of further challenges, he also earned his license as a Certified General Contractor and began his development career in the years that followed. As the President and CEO of Jessla Construction Corp. and Lima Development Corp., Felix worked arduously as a developer and contractor, often achieving what others thought was impossible. His final legacy, which he proudly and tirelessly created with his son, Alan, was the Grove Harbour Marina project. Felix was also active in numerous business and community organizations, including serving on the Executive Board of the Latin Builders Association. He also donated his time and efforts to local churches and charities, such as St. Paul Lutheran Church and Make- A-Wish Foundation. Although filled with a lifetime of business accomplishments, his greatest joy was that which he experienced as a loving husband, amazing father, and unforgettable grandfather. Felix will be missed by his beloved wife and soul mate, Sonia, their two children Alan and Jessica, his son-in- law Jay, and - who he lovingly called his "precious gifts from God" - his grandchildren, Alec, Alessandra and Anastasia Leyva. Felix is also survived by his siblings, Valentin Lima and Maria Rey, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Felix's memory to UM Sylvester Cancer Research Institute, P.O. 025388, Coral Gables, Florida 33102. Visitation will begin at 6:00PM on Tuesday, September 2nd at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn, 8200 Bird Road. Religious services will be at 1:00PM on Wednesday, September 3rd at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 10700 S.W. 56th Street, Miami, FL 33165. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.