Jacob B. Villalba was born to Santos and Isadora Villalba in Alpine, Texas on May 17, 1935. He was the second oldest of four children.
As a young child in Texas, he worked shining shoes and running errands for his uncle’s bank to help his family.
His early beginnings of working hard in life served as a window into the future and legacy he would soon build.
Along with his brothers, David, Blocker and George they migrated to California in search of work. At this time, he entered the U.S. Airborne Army.
After serving for the U.S. he met and married Senaida Morales and settled in the Bay Area.
He had grand hopes and distinct dreams for his growing family. A beautiful family of four; Katy, Debbie, Elizabeth and Jake Jr.
As a passionate entrepreneur he established the Premium Plating & Polishing Company in 1965. A few years later, El Savoy was opened to the public. His ambitions did not stop and in 1980 opened Senaida’s Painted Wagon for the one true love of his life. Years later he opened one last venture, Ponderosa Bar & Lounge.
He was a modest man and generous to all that crossed his path. He touched many lives in his 75 years of life and in death he will continue to do so.
Jacob is survived by his wife of 53 years Senaida, daughters Katy and Liz, son Jake Jr., grandchildren: Angela, Mando, Cisco, Liza, Evelyn, Jake III, Joseph, Paul, Sammy and 11 great-grandchildren.
In his honor a public viewing will be held Thursday, February 24, 2011 from 5:00-9:00 P.M., Rosary at 7:00 P.M., both at Johnson Funeral Home, Morgan Hill. A Funeral Mass will occur Friday, February 25, 2011, 10:00 A.M. at St. Catherine Church. Interment immediately following at his final resting place at Mt. Hope Memorial Park.
He will then enter the Kingdom of God with his daughter Debbie and grandson Ricky.
