In Loving Memory:
Dr. Paravila Oonnoonny Jacob
10/15/1950 – 6/17/2023
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me
the crown of righteousness, which the LORD will award to me on that day. 2nd Timothy 4:7-8
Dr. Paravila Oonnoonny Jacob, lovingly known as Achenkunju, was born on October 15, 1950 to Late Mr.
Chacko Oonnoonny and Late Mrs. Saramma Mathew. He was the fourth of five children from Grace
Bungalow, Pavithreswaram, Kottarakara (Kerala).
Achenkunju was married to Susamma Jacob (Ammini) in 1976 and they immigrated from India to the
United States in 1977. They lived in New York for a short period of time and then moved to Detroit,
Michigan. They were blessed with two children, Jessy and Jaison. The family of four briefly lived in
Sandusky, Ohio before settling back in Michigan. Achenkunju deeply loved his family and dedicated his
life to working hard for them to ensure they would always be well taken care of.
Achenkunju was passionate about learning and always seeking to improve himself. He was committed to
furthering his education and was a dedicated lifelong learner. He had a great way of connecting with
people, and possessed a wonderful ability to discuss and debate on many topics. He completed a BS in
Electrical Engineering from Wayne State University, a Masters in Business Administration from Central
Michigan University, and finally, a PhD in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University. He
had a successful career in engineering and retired from General Motors after more than 25 years of
service in various senior leadership roles. Due to his passion for learning new things, Achenkunju could
not stay retired and resumed employment in various teaching and consulting roles. Achenkunju finally
decided to retire again in June 2023 – just a few weeks ago. His talents led him to earn 3 US patents
Achenkunju was a man of many talents. He was an artistic craftsman who engaged in woodwork,
painting and even stain-glass creations. He also oversaw the installation of the church altar at the St.
Thomas Orthodox Church of India in Warren, MI. Achenkunju held various leadership roles at his church
and the Detroit Malayalee Association and was emphatically dedicated to his community. He was also an
avid gardener with an interest in hydroponics and loved the great outdoors. One of his most beloved
characteristics was his unique sense of humor. He loved to joke with those around him and was always
looking to make his family and friends laugh.
Despite his success and humorous outlook, he experienced significant unexpected family loss. He
prematurely laid his son, Jaison, to rest in 2012, and with additional sorrow, his dear wife, Ammini, in
2020.
Achenkunju is survived by his daughter Jessy, son-in-law Jobin, grandchildren: Anjali, Xavier and Liya, his
sisters Sumathy, Annakutty and brother Rajukuttan, Ammini’s family, many nieces and nephews; grandnieces and nephews, Annamma, and his beloved dog, Charlie.
May he rest in eternal peace