Juan Carlos "JC" Arteaga

Juan Carlos “JC”, a man whose life was a testament to unwavering passion, boundless love, and extraordinary achievement, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on May 12th, 2026. JC fought the good fight and passed with the dignity and peace he deeply deserved. His family finds comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and has entered the gates of heaven, where they will be reunited with him again, and from where he will continue to share moments with them.

He is now “in paradise” (as he would say), filled with family, paella, cooking, hosting parties, wine, music, all his favorite travels, and playing his guitar, singing to all his loved ones in heaven and here on earth. He is reunited with his beloved mother, Arminda; father, Humberto; brother, Mauricio; brother, German; brother-in-law, Juan “Tocayo”; and mother-in-law, Ligia, who he loved deeply.

Born on April 1, 1956, in Bolivia, JC was the youngest of five children and the light of his family’s life, they’d call him “muñequito”. He brought joy from the moment he was born, and his family remembers him as someone full of love, who became one of their greatest encouragers and pillars.

From a young age, JC’s curiosity was shaped by imagination, cities, and buildings, and by the idea that environments could shape human connection and everyday life. He knew as early as age seven that he wanted to be an architect, and that curiosity became a lifelong calling.

After high school, JC moved to Spain to pursue his dreams. He worked as a waiter while pursuing his studies with relentless determination. Spain remained one of the most meaningful chapters of his life. It was there he learned to make his famous paella, developed a love for red wine, and often joked that “wine is cheaper than water.” It was also where his determination began leading his path: sitting outside the office of an architect he admired, asking for the chance to work for free just to learn. That humility and persistence opened the door to his first professional opportunity.

After his time in Spain, JC came to the United States to continue pursuing his dreams at the University of Virginia. During a visit back to Bolivia to see family, he met his beloved wife, Maria Antonieta “Marian,” and fell in love with her immediately. Their love story was one of deep love and lifelong partnership. Together, they built a life in the United States filled with laughter, happiness, and unconditional love. Marian was his greatest partner, his constant support, and the love of his life. They will celebrate 38 years of marriage on May 28th, 2026, a milestone that will continue to be honored and celebrated with him in heaven until they reunite.

Together, they raised their two children, Mariana “sunshine” and Christian, who were JC’s whole world. His life revolved around them and their happiness. It was a life filled with family dinners, JC’s cooking, vacations, movie marathons with Christian, and daddy-daughter dates with Mariana that became a cherished tradition until the very end. He was the definition of a legendary father. Anything involving his children became his highest priority, and he gave them nothing but his very best. He embraced fatherhood fully, and his love, guidance, and presence will continue guiding them daily.

Sofia, his beloved granddaughter, was born just five months before his passing, and the family truly believes she came into this world so she could meet him and be loved by him. She became his greatest joy, his “mi adoración,” and in many ways, completed the final chapter of all the dreams and blessings he hoped for in this life.

While being a devoted husband and father, he continued pursuing his dreams with the one-of-a-kind drive that could only come from someone like him. His academic achievements reflected a lifelong commitment to learning and growth. He earned master’s degrees in urban planning and urban design, and a PhD in architecture from the University of Virginia, along with a postgraduate degree from Harvard University.

Over a remarkable career spanning more than four decades, JC worked on major projects across the United States and internationally, including airports, public infrastructure, universities, and large-scale community developments. He took immense pride in his work, not only for its scale or recognition, but because he believed deeply in its purpose: to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create places where people could thrive.

To those who knew him, JC will be remembered as a man of extraordinary spirit. He was the life of every gathering, a constant encourager, a mentor to many, and someone whose presence made others feel seen and valued. Friends and colleagues often described him as one of a kind, full of positivity, generosity, and light. He worked hard, loved deeply, and lived with purpose every day.

Even during his courageous health battle, JC continued to inspire those around him with strength, faith, and grace. He remained grateful, loving, and uplifting until the very end. His spirit never dimmed, even in the most difficult moments.

JC leaves behind a family who loved and adored him endlessly: his beloved wife, Marian; daughter, Mariana; son, Christian; granddaughter, Sofia; son-in-law, Felipe; sister, Ana Maria; brother, Guido; along with in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives were forever shaped by his love. Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his family finds peace in knowing they will one day be reunited with him again, and his presence will never leave them.

As we say goodbye to JC, we hold tightly to his love, his laughter, his music, and the countless memories he created with those closest to him. We take comfort in knowing he is at peace, free from pain, and embraced in heaven until the day we are reunited. His presence lives on in the traditions he built, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely.