Honorio "Jimmy" Viray

September 17, 1934 - February 24, 2021

Honorio “Jimmy” Viray, 1934 – 2021 Honorio Jaime Viray, known to family and friends as “Jimmy”, passed away on February 24, 2021, in Lehi, Utah, with his two sons by his side. Jimmy was born in Tarlac, Philippines, on September 17, 1934, to Regino Viray and Agustina Bundalian. He graduated with a degree in Literature in Journalism from the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines. Journalism was his passion and his career as a “newspaperman” spanned three continents. Jimmy trained in five metropolitan dailies in Australia under a senior journalism grant and on the Independent-Press Telegram in Long Beach, California, as well as on a fellowship grant from the World Press Institute. He was also a Fulbright-Hayes Grantee in 1965. Jimmy has been described by his Filipino news contemporaries as an “icon” in Philippines journalism. He succeeded as a reporter, section editor and senior deskman of the pre-martial law Manila Times, the Philippines’ largest news outlet, and was elected as an officer of the National Press Club of the Philippines. He was associate editor of the Evening Express when martial law was declared in the Philippines in 1972, but later joined the Times Journal as its special news correspondent in the United States based in San Francisco. He went on to be co-editor of the western edition of the New York-based Filipino Reporter. Jimmy stayed on the West Coast for five years, after which he moved to Houston and became a news correspondent of the Philippines News Agency in 1979. Two years later, he was appointed Information Officer of the Philippine Consulates General in Houston and Chicago. As part of that assignment, he served as deputy commissioner for media during the Philippines’ participation in the 1982 World Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee. His final journalism stop was as news editor of the Houston-based Manila Headline. Jimmy became a pillar of the city’s Filipino-American community as he diligently reported on significant community issues and events across the metropolitan area. In recognition of his contributions to the Filipino-American community, he was awarded the Dr. Jose Rizal Excellence Award in 2011 for journalism. Outside of journalism, Jimmy enjoyed music and singing—particularly the songs of the “Rat Pack” members, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. He was a prolific reader and consumed biographies of other successful journalists and of political leaders. Sports were another of his preferred pastimes. Jimmy was a starting member of the Manila Times traveling basketball team. After his own playing days were over, he was an avid spectator of both basketball and baseball, cheering for the Houston Rockets and the Houston Astros. As a father, Jimmy’s deep love for his children was felt through endearing concern, heartfelt goodbyes, and acts of sacrifice that never came with complaint. Later in life, Jimmy was an enthusiastic “Lolo,” or grandfather, to Noah (15), Moses (10), Avrie (6) and Claira (2). He found great joy in watching his grandchildren’s basketball games, soccer matches, musical programs and dance recitals. Jimmy maintained a strong faith in God and Jesus Christ throughout his life. He devotedly attended mass, read the Holy Bible and recited prayers—as evidenced by his well-worn Book of Prayers. The greatest testament of his Christian faith may have been in how he treated others. Family, friends and neighbors have often described him as a “sweet” man and recognized his kindness, meekness and genuine concern for them. He is survived by the mother of his children, Marie Elefaño; son James, his wife Marianne and their children Noah and Moses; son Jonathan, his wife Vanesa and their children Avrie and Claira; and many wonderful nieces and nephews in the Elefaño, Santos and Rivera families. We know he will have a joyous reunion with his father Regino, mother Agustina, brother Pablo (who inspired him to become a journalist), and sisters Rebecca and Margarita. In lieu of a public memorial service at this time, we invite you to visit Jimmy’s memorial page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/445226936916722 to leave your most treasured memories, favorite stories or even humorous anecdotes about him. Your submissions will bring comfort and joy to all those who loved him.