Jaime Nebab Agamata

Jaime N. Agamata, 90, passed away on November 6, 2022, after a hard fought 5-week battle with post-surgical complications. Jaime was surrounded by his beloved wife, Evan, their five children and their spouses, grandchildren, siblings, and close friends, when the Lord called him home.



Known as "Jim" to friends and colleagues, and as "Memoy" to his wife, siblings, and close relatives, Jaime was born in Claveria, Cagayan, Philippines, on August 10, 1932, to Anacleto B. Agamata and Dorotea N. Agamata. He was the third eldest of seven children and was close to all his siblings.



Jaime earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Mapua University in Manila. In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Evangeline Suarez Fres, who he lovingly addressed as "Evan" as did Evan's family, relatives and friends from the Philippines. They married the day after Evan's Valentine's birthday, and embarked on what would become a nearly 65 year journey together.



While Evan established her career as an accomplished and respected mathematics and science high-school teacher, Jaime laid the foundation of his career, first as an engineer with the Philippines Bureau of Public Highways (often building roads through steep mountain passes and challenging terrain); then excavation supervisor with Paul Hardeman, Inc. in a dam construction projection; and chief estimator for American Engineers and Architects, a U.S. corporation involved in various U.S. Air Force and navy facilities in the Far East.



Inspired by the idealism of living the American Dream, Jaime set his sights on North America. He applied for his American and Canadian Visas to widen his chances of immigrating to the Developed West. When his Canadian Visa was approved first, Jaime forged ahead with his aim to provide a better life for Evan and their four young children (John, Carlos, Robert, and Caroline -- ages 7 years to 4 months). It was July of 1967 and at the age of 35, Jaime left the Philippines for Vancouver, Canada, detouring first through Los Angeles and San Diego to visit his sister, Estrella, and brother, Baltazar and his family. Estrella and Baltazar, who immigrated to the U.S. in previous years, generously welcomed their younger brother with gifts of good luck for his journey to Canada -- a brand new suit and a winter coat. Dressed in his suit and overcoat, Jaime set out for Vancouver where he soon discovered that the job market for engineers was tight. Driven by his persistence and tenacity, Jaime ventured on to Calgary, Alberta where he soon landed a job with Del Ray Engineering/Keith Homes. Two months later, Evan and their children reunited with Jaime just in time for John and Carlos to begin the school year experiencing their first Autumn Season. Over the next three years, Jaime and Evan's family grew to 5 children with the arrival of Pierre in 1969 (named after the then Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau) and adapted to the beautiful rotating seasons of Calgary.



In 1970, Jaime's U.S. Visa was approved, and the path was paved to follow his American dream. Fondly looking back at Canada as their launching pad to the U.S., Jaime's family left for sunny Los Angeles, California, leaving Calgary on the verge of its sub-zero snowy winter. They were generously welcomed in the home of their Uncle Cleto and Aunt Estefania (Aning) Bello. After a brief and deeply appreciated stay with the Bello's, Jaime and his family settled into a small 1-bedroom apartment in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles. Jaime's experience, smarts, and charisma secured his first American job as a Construction Officer at Union Bank's Real Estate Department in Downtown Los Angeles. To help make ends meet while building their savings, Evan worked the nightshift as a Data Processor at Security Pacific Bank, also in Downtown Los Angeles. For two years, Jaime worked days while Evan worked nights. Their tireless efforts led to the purchase of their first, brand new home in Cerritos, California. A few years later, Jaime left Union Bank on good terms to advance his career as a Cost Engineer in the Commercial Real Estate Department of Wells Fargo Bank, also in Downtown LA.



In 1975, Jaime and Evan moved their family to a slightly larger home in Cerritos as their growing children needed more space. Jaime convinced Evan to agree to adding a backyard pool which inevitably drew neighborhood friends for weekends and long summer days of swim gatherings. By 1979, Jaime had built a network of professional contacts in the real estate finance and construction industries. With extensive experience and connections, Jaime's independent spirit and unwavering commitment to provide a college education for his children, prompted him to leave the salaried corporate world. There was no such concept as "working 9 to 5" in Jaime's world where his work week extended to 6 and 7 days, strategically moonlighting on the side to build a future business.



Possessing an unmatched work ethic and deeply engrained ambition, Jaime started his own cost engineering consulting firm, Agamata Associates, Inc., in 1979. He moved his family south of Los Angeles along the coast to Laguna Niguel, Orange County where he and Evan purchased a new home that offered a Bonus Room/Den, the perfect setup for Agamata Associates' first office. Evan took on the role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) while maintaining her job at the Newport Beach branch of Security Pacific Bank where she supervised tellers and audited their work like a strict teacher monitoring her students. As Jaime's business grew, Evan soon left the bank to manage all financial matters for Agamata Associates. She also continued to run the household like a tight ship, maintaining the upkeep with the help of her children and making delicious home cooked meals which Jaime loved so much. Whether at home or in the office, Jaime often referred to Evan affectionately as "my boss." The two work together to build a business that employed many over the years, giving other immigrants an opportunity to pursue the American Dream. At the same time, Jaime and Evan cultivated a family business that employed all their children at various points in time. Carlos, holding a B.S. in Civil Engineering, helped Agamata Associates keep up with technology, improving productivity while gaining valuable experience working closely with his dad. John and Robert also played important roles in the family business -- John started the Real Estate Appraisal division and Robert worked as an Inspector and Associate Cost Estimator. Caroline helped edit and prepare cost analysis reports in her high school years and during college summer breaks. On weekends, Pierre organized and maintained the office in his high school years. In Jaime's mind, a family that works together, stays together. Beyond his immediate family, Jaime assembled a team of professional consultants for design review including his late brother, Baltazar N. Agamata (Electrical Engineer), his late brother-in-law, Eduardo S. Fres (Civil Engineer), and his late cousins Gerardo Alan (Architect) and Jimeno Quitasol (Mechanical Engineer).



Agamata Associates quickly expanded from its home office to nearby Lake Forest, California where Jaime leased a unit that offered private offices for both him and Evan, and spacious work area for his engineers, inspectors, and administrative staff. Over the course of two and a half decades, Jaime would work on thousands of real estate developments throughout the United States, primarily in Southern California. His projects included major master planned communities; multi-family developments; exclusive custom homes; high-rise office buildings; industrial, commercial, retail and mixed-use properties; casinos; movie studios; school and airport facilities; and more. From the 1980's to the 2000's, Jaime took Agamata Associates to the forefront in cost analysis/design review consulting in the real estate development industry. Early in that time span, Jaime and Evan obtained their U.S. Citizenship in 1981 and were proudly sworn in as U.S. Citizens, signifying another accomplishment in fulfilling Jaime's American Dream.



In 1993, Jaime founded the Philippine American Network of Southern California (he often referred to as PHIL-AM), a networking and social group for which he served as president for two years. Through his efforts, Filipino professionals and their families connected with old and new friends at regular meetings and social events, raising funds to support disaster areas in the Philippines.



In 2002, Jaime and Evan's love of Las Vegas shows, concerts, buffets, and penny slots drew them to rent out their Laguna Niguel home and purchase a retirement home in Henderson, Nevada. Jaime was 70 and decided to retire with their move to Henderson. Retirement, however, proved to be short-lived when several of Jaime's clients pursued him in Las Vegas, sending job proposals one after the other. Jaime was not accustomed to refusing work after years of taking on an overflow of projects during peak business cycles in anticipation of the slow cycles. The demand for his services compelled him to open his home office in Henderson while Carlos managed business operations in California. Finally, in the late 2000's, Jaime stored away his engineering scales and rulers to fully retire, turning over Agamata Associates to Carlos who often consulted with his dad through the years.



While his tireless work ethic and long work hours were dominant traits over a long career, Jaime spent his spare time selectively, especially in the early years after his immigration to the U.S. Given the scarcity of free time, he strived for quality family time which he often spent landscaping and tending to the yard alongside his children; organizing and beautifying his home with Evan; watching favorite TV shows; cheering on TV broadcasted Laker games with Evan and the kids; shopping at Tower Records for the latest Top Billboard albums; and listening to his vast music collection while his kids poured over album covers and record sleeves. In addition to his love of music, Jaime was a skilled dancer and could effortlessly lead Evan in a Swing Dance or Fox Trot when the right songs came on the stereo. To facilitate spending time with his kids and their friends, Jaime invested in recreation at home, enjoying swimming pool gatherings, participating in garage ping-pong matches, and playing billiards and chess in his spacious home office. Now and again, Jaime would sit at the piano and play pieces from his childhood, showcasing his talent and remarkable memory.



Leisure time was also spent on day-long weekend trips to visit Jaime or Evan's parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Jaime nurtured his bond with extended family so his children could do the same. Family trips evolved into annual summer road trip vacations to San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, and long weekends in Las Vegas with Evan, their siblings and friends. When his kids grew into independent adults, Jaime's favorite hobbies were spent with his dearest Evan enjoying top billing Las Vegas shows and concerts of their favorite singers; Mexican Cruises to Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, and Puerto Vallarta; all night casino outings especially with Jaime's sister and Las Vegas resident, Ediitha, and her husband, Terry; and maintaining their beautiful Henderson home together. Jaime and Eva proudly hosted many occasions and holidays with their children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends over the 15 years they resided in Henderson.



In 2017, Jaime and Evan returned to Southern California to be closer to family after Evan showed symptoms of dementia. They moved to Santa Monica and lived with Caroline and her family until 2018. And when their tenant's lease expired, Jaime and Evan moved back to their Laguna Niguel home where Jaime lovingly took care of Evan with the help of Pierre. Jaime was determined to give Evan what he often referred to as "the best tender love and care" that no one else could provide any better. He had been Evan's steady and patient companion throughout the progression of her dementia. He listened to Evan's reflections and recollections, day and night, while validating and reassuring her as she blended the past with the present.



Jaime possessed endless ambition and always looked to the future for life's many possibilities. He was the epitome of living the American Dream. Most importantly, Jaime was a decent man who will always be known for his devotion to family, sense of gratitude, compassion, and kindness to all. Jaime's legacy and example will live on in Evan and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will hold Jaime forever in their hearts throughout their own life's journey.



Jaime is predeceased by his premature infant daughter, Jocelyn Fres Agamata; his parents, Anacleto B. Agamata and Dorotea N. Agamata; and his siblings Baltazar N. Agamata and Ester N. Agamata.



Jaime is survived by his wife, Evangeline F. Agamata and their five children: (1) son John Carmelo Agamata and his wife, Claire S. Agamata, and John's four children with his first wife (Candi Agamata) -- Justin A. Agamata, his fiance, Brenda Nava, and Brenda's son, Xavier Saad; Jeremy R. Agamata and his son, Leo A. Agamata (2,5 yrs), with Hayley Brandt; daughter Chelsea J. Agamata; and daughter Courtney E. Agamata; (2) son Carlos Jaime Agamata and his wife, Shirley Vieane, and their two children -- Michelle C. Stearns, her husband Jason Stearns and their son Ewan C. Stearns (1.5 yrs); and Amie Agamata; (3) son Robert Fres Agamata and his wife, Jennifer Bryant Agamata, and their three children -- Alexia K. Agamata; Nolan R. Agamata and his wife, Bridget N. Agamata; and Natalie R. Agamata; (4) daughter Caroline Agamata McCormick and her husband , Peter Jon McCormick, and their three sons James T. McCormick, Colin R. McCormick, and Brendan J. McCormick; and (5) son Pierre Angelo Agamata. Jaime is also survived by his four siblings, Eden A. Daproza, Felino N. Agamata, Editha A. Tangonan and husband Dr. Sinforiano (Terry) Tangonan, and Eleanor A. Graf and husband Clifford Graf, as well as many cousins, nephews, and nieces.



Schedule of Services for Jaime are as follows:


Tuesday, Nov. 29, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM -- Visitation (6:00 PM Rosary Prayer), Forest Lawn, 4471 Lincoln Ave., Cypress, CA



Friday, Dec. 2, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM -- Visitation (6:00 PM Rosary Prayer), Forest Lawn, Cypress



Saturday, Dec. 3, 10:30 AM -- Funeral Mass, St. John of God, 13819 Pioneer Blvd., Norwalk, CA

Interment following Mass, Forest Lawn, Cypress

3:00 PM -- Celebration of Life, Home of Evangeline Agamata