Jaime Enrique Vargas

Jaime Enrique "Jaimito" Vargas, 71, a resident of Columbia, MO passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center.
Jaime was born on August 30, 1953, in Bogotá, Colombia, S.A., the son of Jaime and Mercedes Vargas. On May 27, 1978, he married Norma Jean Wissehr and she survives.
Jaime's life story begins and ends with family. It was at the core of his being. His first family included his parents, three sisters and one brother, and his beloved "Abuelitos". This family started in Colombia, S.A. and they were a tight group. He was raised with high principles, values and love. That family moved to the United States when Jaime was 13 years old. Together, they adapted to a new country where they had to learn the language and the customs. It only made their family bonds stronger.
Jaime's next family began when he married Norma Jean. First, he was warmly welcomed into her family by her parents and sisters. Then Jaime & Norma Jean started building their life together. And what a life they built, based on love and commitment to one another. Their world soon began to revolve around their two daughters, Natalie and Jessica, and all of the activity, busyness and fun that goes with raising children. Those girls were raised with the same high principles, values and love. Jaime was always so proud of them. And when the family grew even bigger with two sons-in-law and two grandsons, it only made Jaime happier and prouder. Love was at the center of that family and the family bonds were strong.
Jaime became part of many more "families" through the years: Webster Groves High School friends and soccer and tennis teammates; college friends; St. Louis University soccer teams; Westminster soccer and tennis teams; staff and members at Jefferson City Country Club, and the Country Club of Missouri and many more. All of those family bonds were strong.
Jaime's largest family included everyone he ever met. Whether through soccer, tennis, or a public-school classroom, as a coach or a teammate, or co-worker, if Jaime met you, he never forgot you. He was extremely gifted at coaching both soccer and tennis, at making people feel comfortable, and at meeting each person where they were and helping them grow in the ways they wanted and needed. He became a role model and a father-figure to many. And those family bonds were strong.
Jaime's life story began and now ends with family. He will be missed by each family he was part of and every person who ever knew him. By everyone using the lessons he taught and the love he showed, he will be honored always.
In addition to his wife of 46 years, he will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his two daughters, Jessica Cummings and husband Adrian of Columbia, MO and Natalie Vargas and fiancé Jeremy Guier of Lebanon, MO; two grandsons, Graysen and Miles Cummings; three sisters, Elsa Duvall and husband Mark of Boise, ID, Margarita Vargas-Pierce and husband John of St. Louis, and Martha Bauman and husband Rick of Richmond, MI; and one brother, German Vargas and wife Margie of Cape Girardeau, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jaime was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew, James Bauman.
Jaime was the recipient of a kidney transplant. Please honor him by signing up to be an organ donor, so that you can give someone else the gift of life.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Columbia Country Club, 2210 Country Club Drive, Columbia, MO 65201 with a short service beginning at 2:00 p.m. There will be a private family interment in the Columbia Cemetery. The celebration of life will be live streamed on Jaime's obituary page at www.millardfamilychapels.com
IN APPRECIATION
To Jaime's sister, Margarita Vargas-Pierce, who was a living kidney donor. Her gift changed the length and the quality of Jaime's life. This unselfish act can never be repaid.
To the nurses & staff of 11800 Parkview Tower at Barnes Jewish Hospital. They are amazing people who made it easier to be in a place that was very hard to be in. Jaime's struggles would have been much worse without their care. And their care extended to Norma Jean also.
To all the doctors and nurses that cared for Jaime throughout all his medical struggles.
To everyone who has reached out, written a memory, shown kindness in any way, sent comforting messages, sent beautiful and touching tributes, and sent prayers for his healing and now for ours, the family of Jaime Vargas expresses their sincere gratitude.
Memorial contributions and expressions of sympathy may be made to support and continue Jaime's soccer and tennis legacy. Remembrances of the "King of Tennis" will be set up through scholarships, a park bench and various ways that would promote tennis and soccer. Funds will also be used to support the future educational needs of Jaime's grandchildren. Checks may be made payable to Norma Jean Vargas c/o Parker Millard Funeral Services or Venmo to @NormaJean-Vargas
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E. Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences can be shared with the family www.millardfamilychapels.com.