Jomer Baliao Ramirez

Jomer Baliao Ramirez, 42, passed away on February 28, 2025 in Knoxville, TN surrounded by family members after his courageous battle with Esophageal cancer over the past 1 year and 5 months. Born in Manila (Quezon City), Philippines, Jomer moved to the United States at the age of 11. He grew up in Manassas Park, Virginia, and surrounding areas, before relocating to Knoxville, Tennessee in 2008.

Jomer met the love of his life, Justina, in 2000 at Mike’s Diner in Manassas, Virginia. They began dating in 2002, were married in 2005, and shared nearly 20 years of marriage. Together, they raised their sons, Jonathan and Jayden, while Jomer was also deeply involved in his community, volunteering his time to coach and mentor the youth. He was not only a leader but a mentor and a role model to many, always putting the needs of others before his own.

To know Jomer was to love Jomer. He was a man of many talents, a jack of all trades, and a wealth of random knowledge, always able to find solutions to even the most difficult challenges. Above all, he was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle (Tito), and friend, who touched the lives of all who knew him. His family, friends, and military brothers and sisters will forever remember his contributions to both the military and the community.

Jomer attended Manassas Park High School, where he excelled in multiple sports. After high school, he embarked on a diverse career journey. He worked as a swimming pool technician for over 10 years, and dabbled in various professions, including cell tower climbing, law enforcement, heavy vehicle transport, and automotive technology. In 2010, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining the US Army National Guard. His military service became his greatest source of pride, and just days before his passing, he celebrated 15 years of dedicated service.

Jomer's military career was one of dedication, pride, and distinction. Over the years, Jomer worked in various capacities within the military, specifically as an infantryman (11B) & supply specialist (92Y). His exemplary work ethic led him to serve with several prestigious units across Tennessee, including:

• HHT, 278 ACR (The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment Headquarters and Headquarters Troop) in Knoxville, TN
• F/2-278th ACR (Fox Troop 2nd Squadron of the 278th Armored Calvary Regiment) in McMinnville, TN
• C/RSS, 278 ACR (C-Med, Regimental Service and Support Squadron of the 278th) in Louisville, TN
• D/1-230th AVN (Delta Company 1-230th Aviation), Det 2, D/1-230th (Detachment 2 of Delta Company 1-230th), in Louisville, TN

His stellar career was marked by superior performance and a commitment to excellence. Jomer’s hard work earned him numerous accolades, including:

• Meritorious Service Medal
• Two Army Commendation Medals
• Two Army Achievement Medals
• Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal
• TN National Guard Individual Achievement Ribbon
• TN National Guard Distinguished Service Medal
• Drivers badges for both wheeled and tracked vehicles

Throughout his career, Jomer's unwavering commitment to his mission and his country was evident in everything he did. His problem-solving skills were so exceptional that he was consistently sought out by subordinates, peers, and leadership at all levels within the logistics space. Jomer's service to his country was just one aspect of his full and vibrant life.

An outdoor enthusiast, Jomer enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, and riding. He was also an avid Washington Redskins NFL fan and a passionate supporter of the Tennessee Volunteers athletic teams. You could always count him on to have a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee in his hand and gummy bears or cheese balls nearby to snack on. He was tough on the outside and soft on the inside.

Jomer is survived by his beloved wife, Justina Ramirez; sons, Jonathan and Jayden Ramirez; parents, Elmer and Josie Ramirez; grandparents, Godito and Maria Baliao; brothers, Elmer (Chris) Ramirez, Emerson (Meg) Ramirez, Peter (Laura) Ramirez; nieces and nephews he loved to spoil, Joselyn Ramirez, Jordan Thompson, Athena Thompson, and Eliana Ramirez; aunts, Evangeline Advincula and Zita Baliao; uncle, Bobet (Mary Anne) Baliao; cousins, Michelle (Randall) Sylvain, Melvin (Loan) Baliao, Lourdes (JP) Feliciano, Anna Baliao, Marina Baliao, Aaron Baliao, Ingrid Umipig; “adopted” daughter, Mira Garcia; second cousins, Rachelle & Cai Sylvain, Eva Baliao, and Rein, Luiza & Junior Feliciano; godparents, Bert and Cecile Chavez; mother-in-law, Dena Poole; brothers-in-law, James Williams, Justin (Stephanie) Williams; sister-in-law, Jeana Williams; aunt-in-law, Sirena Johnson; and his beloved puppies, Jake and Teddy. And many more family and friends that supported and loved him. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Emerson & Paulina Ramirez; his best friend since childhood, Josh Simpson; his fur-baby Harley Quinn.

A Celebration of Life with full military honors will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home (1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803). Services will begin at 1:30 PM, with a visitation gathering to follow. A memorial celebration will also be held in Jomer’s hometown in Northern Virginia in the coming weeks.

Jomer’s legacy of service, love, and generosity will forever be remembered by all who knew him.

To watch the service online go to https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=b6dd1f99-62eb-447a-9345-621fe6bc9b2e 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to support the education and future of their sons. Contributions can be made at any Truist Bank “Reference: Justina Ramirez Memorial Fund Account 9560” or here at this link/QR Code: https://venmo.com/u/Joe_Ramirez_9182.