At a young age, Jar Jar showed signs of clumsiness, much to his father's disappointment. When George took his family whaling with him, Jar Jar's clumsiness resulted in a near-fatal shipwreck. Angered at Jar Jar, George attempted to trick him into swimming for help, knowing that Jar Jar would die in the attempt, but his wife stopped him. George was so overcome with despair that he attempted suicide, which failed, as he awoke a short time later.
Jar Jar was an orphan when he was exiled from Otoh Gunga by 32 BBY.