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), surrounded by family, cooking paella, hosting parties, enjoying wine, music, all his favorite travels, and playing his guitar while singing to all his loved ones in heaven and on earth. He is reunited with his beloved mother, Arminda; father, Humberto; brothers, Mauricio and German; brother-in-law, Juan “Tocayo”; and mother-in-law, Lijia, 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, lovingly called “muñequito.” From the moment he was born, he brought joy to his family and became one of their greatest encouragers and pillars.

From a young age, JC was fascinated by cities, buildings, and the way spaces could bring people together. He knew by age seven that he wanted to be an architect, and that dream guided the rest of his life.

After high school, JC moved to Spain to pursue his dreams. He worked as a waiter while studying with relentless determination. Spain held a very special place in his heart. It was where he learned to make his famous paella, developed his love for red wine, and often joked that “wine is cheaper than water.” It was also where his determination truly showed itself. He sat 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 in architecture.

After Spain, JC came to the United States to continue pursuing his dreams at the University of Virginia. During a visit back to Bolivia, he met his beloved wife, Maria Antonieta “Marian,” and fell in love with her immediately. Together, they built a beautiful 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 be celebrating 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 again.

Together, they raised their two children, Mariana “Sunshine” and Christian "My Beloved Son", who were JC’s whole world. His life revolved around them and their happiness. Life was filled with family dinners, JC’s cooking, vacations, movie marathons with Christian, and daddy-daughter dates with Mariana that remained a cherished tradition until the very end. He was the definition of a legendary father and gave his children nothing but his very best. His love, guidance, and presence will continue guiding them every day.

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, JC continued pursuing his dreams. He earned master’s degrees in urban planning and urban design, a PhD in architecture from the University of Virginia, and a postgraduate degree from Harvard University.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, JC worked on major projects across the United States and internationally, including airports, universities, public infrastructure, and large-scale community developments. He took immense pride in his work because he believed deeply in creating places that improved lives and brought people together.

To those who knew him, JC will always be remembered as the life of the party, a constant encourager, a mentor, and someone whose presence made people feel loved and valued. He was full of positivity, generosity, and light. He worked hard, loved deeply, and lived with purpose every single day.

Even during his health battle, JC continued inspiring those around him with strength, faith, and grace. His spirit never dimmed, even in the hardest moments.

JC lives on in the hearts of a family who love and adore 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 countless friends whose lives were forever changed by his love.

As we say goodbye to JC physically, we hold tightly to his love, laughter, music, and the countless memories he created with the people he loved most. We take comfort in knowing he is at peace, free from pain, and waiting for the day we are all reunited again. His spirit lives on in his family's daily life, the lives he touched, and the endless love he gave so freely.