Mr. Jacob A. Mathew of Ayrookuzhiyil (Medayil), Kandenperoor, Kerala, was called to eternity on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in California, at the age of 74.

Jacob Mathew, lovingly known as Raju, was born on May 25, 1951, to the late Ayrookuzhiyil A. Mathew and the late Annamma Mathew of Thailapurathu, Maramon, Kerala. He was the second of four children: John Mathew, Santha Thomas, and Roy Mathew.

Raju completed his early education at Noel Memorial High School, Kariyampalave, and went on to graduate from St. Thomas College, Ranni. In 1971, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Kerala. During his college years, he was deeply engaged in student leadership and faith-based activities, serving as Secretary of the Student Christian Movement, actively participating in church ministries, and contributing to the college arts club. Known as a favorite among teachers, he was admired for his leadership, creativity, and dedication from a young age. He also served as a personal secretary to Mathews Mar Athanasius Episcopa.

On September 2, 1972, Raju moved to California to continue his higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1975 and a Master of Arts in Religion in 1976 from Azusa Pacific College and later pursued a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Raju faithfully served the church throughout his life. He taught Sunday School for international students at Pomona Baptist Church for many years. He was also one of the founding members of the Los Angeles Mar Thoma Church, where he served in numerous leadership roles, including Vice President, Secretary, Assembly Member, Lay Leader, Sunday School Principal, Edavaka Mission Secretary, Auditor, and most recently, Golden Jubilee Convenor.

Professionally, Raju worked with the United States Postal Service until his retirement in 2016.

On April 8, 1978, in Pasadena, CA, Raju married Alice K. Thomas (Lizykutty) of Cherukara, Kolakote, Ayroor, Kerala and were blessed with two children, Justin and Jasmin.

Raju was a charismatic and joyful presence—a true social butterfly known for his infectious laugh, poetic expression, powerful speech, and dynamic personality. He brought light and joy wherever he went and was a pillar of the church, a lover of politics and meaningful conversation, and a friend to all. He was dearly loved and will be profoundly missed.

Raju’s legacy lives on through his wife of 47 years, Alice Mathew; his son, Justin Mathew, and his wife, Christina Mathew, with their children, Alina and Jaxson Mathew; and his daughter, Jasmin Abraham, and her husband, Sabu Abraham, with their children, Sebastian and Jianna Abraham.

Though we mourn his passing, we take comfort in the assurance that he is now in the presence of the Lord, and we hold fast to the hope that we will see him again one day.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” — John 14:2–3