VALI, Yakub “Jake”
September 5, 1926 - March 17, 2021
Jake, a shining example of The American Dream, peacefully passed away from natural causes in Newport Beach, CA with his family by his side. He was the tenth of eleven children and the last of his siblings to pass. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lura (Landfield) Vali; daughter Tamara (Vali) Martin & son-in-law Keith W. Martin; son Adam A. Vali & daughterin-law Deborah (Taylor) Vali; and his cherished grandchildren: Rachel Martin, Blake Martin, Finn Vali, and Taylor Vali.
He was born in Nagpur India to parents who, for their time, were quite progressive and valued education and family above all else. These are values Jake held dear for his entire life and passed on to his own family. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Karachi (Pakistan) in 1953, he came to America and obtained his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1956. Upon graduating, he planned to return to India, but his roommates convinced him to come to Southern California where he met his future wife.
Because of Visa problems, he spent two years in London until his fiancé was able to travel to London where they married on September 30, 1959. On February 19, 1960; Jake entered the Port of New York on the USS United States. He was one of two Indians allowed to enter the United States of America that year. He became a proud US citizen on December 17, 1965. The judge who administered his citizenship exam remarked he could not think of a question Jake did not know the answer to.
Jake and Lura began what friends and family described as “the greatest love story they’d ever seen” and started building their life together in Southern California. Jake became the Chief Engineer at Weldwood Structures and then at Tariq M. Shamma Associates. Never one to shy away from work, he accepted every project offered - no matter the hours required. He eventually opened his own consulting engineering firm – Vali Associates. Then, in 1974, he and two partners formed DEB Construction, a General Contracting company. A few years later Jake bought out his partners. What started as a “second job” eventually exceeded all expectations. Eventually, both of his children had the privilege of working alongside their father. Forty-seven years later, the company is still going strong because of the values and ethics that Jake demonstrated every day of his life.
Jake’s favorite hobby was building his company. He often said he never worked a day in his life. He continued going to the office daily and enjoyed mentoring anyone who wanted to learn. He also enjoyed barbecuing for friends and family, trying every type of international cuisine, photography, golfing, and traveling the world with his family.
He contributed to many worthy causes in both the US and India, but never sought recognition. Like his parents, his love of children and education lead him to quietly fund the education of countless underprivileged children. However, his biggest joy in life was spending time with his four grandchildren who he unapologetically spoiled.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to continue Jake’s support of his chosen orphanages and schools in India. Please contact Jake’s son or daughter and they will make the arrangements on your behalf.