The Remarkable King george

“Being here with you all has made today the happiest day of my life,” announced war veteran and businessman george ‘King george’ Jograj, who celebrated his stepping into retirement affair with close friends and family at the Pavilion, the Terra nova All-suite Hotel, Friday last. Upon entry at the poolside shindig, guests were greeted with cocktails, hors-d’oeuvres, and by Jograj himself with big bear hugs and kisses. Ahead of dinner, Jograj shared an informative, revealing and pretty emotional video that recounted his adventurous and extraordinary life — from being drafted for the Vietnam War to making his first major investment in Mrs Maxwell Bakery in East New York, which has become a household name.

His foray in business started when he left the army in ‘68. He ran a public school bus service, was a race-car driver, and owned a garage in East New York.

One day, out of sheer coincidence, his landlord visited the garage and remarked on its pristine condition: “Your garage floor is cleaner than

my milk plant.” Soon after he was managing the milk plant. Jograj used his good fortune to help others and hired over 100 Jamaicans. Together they turned Mrs Maxwell’s Bakery into a household name.

His daughters, Maxine and Michelle, were delighted to hear the news of their father’s retirement and flew in to witness him bid farewell to the family business. His thank you began: “Tonight is something special.

For the past 33 years, I have dedicated my life to building and running one of New York’s most celebrated institutions — Mrs Maxwell’s Bakery. To be honest, my plan was to work until I die, but last year a change of events brought this wonderful person into my life (referring to his belle Ingrid Rattray).” It was at this juncture that the reality of how time-consuming running his businesses, and of how life’s many pleasures that had passed him by, hit home. The death of close friend Winston Blake of Merritone fame, one could argue, gave him the final wake-up call.

So, with the encouragement of Rattray and family, he sold the bakery and is now headed into retirement with a bucket list that includes travel, sky-diving, deep-sea diving and beer-hunting in the Poconos, to name a few.

Saturday Social celebrates the end of an era and the beginning of another for George ‘King George’ Jograj.

guests enjoyed a scrumptious four-course dinner inside the Pavilion at the Terra nova All-suite Hotel.

Retired senior buyer Beverly Levy penned a congratulatory note to the retiree.

(Photos: Karl Mclarty) Attorney-at-law Herbert grant (right) celebrated with the man of the hour.

Also in attendance were Florida-based friends of the celebrant (from left) Peaches Dunbar, title analyst; Judith Rousseau, retired insurance claims personnel; and Vivienne Kedroe-lake, retired it director.

Security officers Roland and Veneise May raised toasts to the man of the hour.

The Selena Wong-designed light fruitcake made for King george’s retirement party.

Master of Ceremonies Michael Hall.

Retiree Greta Copeland, who, along with her late husband Neville Copeland, emptied their bank account and loaned Jograj the money to purchase Mrs Maxwell’s Bakery. Signatures co-principalJean Anderson (left), and Furnitureland and Karmen’s Kollection principal Carmen Brown Morrow (right) spent the evening with their friend Cynthia Cooke. Uk-based sculpturist, artist and entrepreneur Georgia Robinson wore an Elie Saab cocktail dress from her Come and Swap collection of vintage dresses.Musician and artist Alesha Nicole Nicholson made an appearance.

A still from King George’s montage showed a four-month-old Jograj in his family home in St Thomas.

Physician assistant and registered nurse Margaret Mcmillan wrote of her gratitude in sharing the momentous occasion.

Ossie Chang, retired construction administrator and his wife Valerie, Sherwinwilliams sales representative, raised pinot noir toasts to King George.

Action Chemical & Equipment Managing Director Clement Bernard (left) embraced retired businessman George ‘King George’ Jograj.