Jacob Gregory Pauli
July 19, 1949 to October 9, 2024

Born in Los Angeles to parents Jacob and Marguerite (Peters) Pauli. The family relocated to Sunny Brae in Arcata. in 1958. Jake attended Jacoby Creek School and graduated from Arcata High School in 1967.

Jake was a walking automotive encyclopedia. He knew more than most when it came to body style changes or drivetrain options for almost any vehicle manufactured from the 1920s to current. Over his lifetime he had MANY cars and trucks. He favored hot rods and preferred them to sit low and sound good. Most of his working years were spent in the automotive industry. He had long stints at Redwood Marine, Eureka Brake and Automotive, Lithia and North Bay Automotive. Many customers will remember his calm and caring demeanor. He may be remembered most for when he and best friend Bob Hook started and operated The Video Connection in the 1980s. The domes on Myrtle Ave is where many customers became friends.

Jake had the ability to connect with people. Somehow, he found a way to common ground with everyone he encountered. He formed meaningful, lasting relationships with a wide range of individuals. Even in the last few months while in and out of the hospital, he connected with his providers. He always asked about their families and where they were from. He genuinely cared about others and their wellbeing. He had a large circle of friends and kept in touch with dozens on a regular basis. If success is measured by the amount of people who consider you a friend, then he was VERY successful.

Jake enjoyed attending car shows, swap meets, antique stores and drag races. Too many trips to count spent walking fairgrounds and pits taking in the sights and sounds. These getaways usually included some sort of local BBQ joint, or burger stand. These trips will provide memories for those lucky enough to have attended with him. You certainly got an education as he would point out something not so obvious to everyone else. Jake especially liked attending events with Dean Duff. Those two had an inseparable bond since Dean’s employment at the Video Connection.

Above all, Jake most enjoyed spending time with Family. The annual Christmas Eve gathering being the highlight. This tradition started with his parents decades ago. A burnout on the way to get raviolis was a time-honored tradition. He had a special unique bond with each of his grandchildren. When the grandkids were little, they could count on Grandpa having a pocket full of candy to share or a story to tell. They miss him terribly.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Marguerite Pauli. In-laws Dayton and Gayle Titus and nephew Nathan Titus. Also preceding him was friend David Sharp. David passed in the 1970s and Dad annually visited and cleaned up his grave site.

Jake is survived by spouse Yvonne Titus, brother Donald Pauli, son Jeff Pauli (Tonya) grandson Carson Pauli (Jessi) and granddaughter Kate Pauli. Son Josh Pauli (Deanna) granddaughter Lauren Pauli (Ian), granddaughter Jenna Roe-Bauer (Jacob) and granddaughter Jordan Schweizer. Stepdaughter Maren Wagner, step-granddaughters Ella (Gabe), Ava and step-grandson Adam. Stepson Raleigh Bettiga (Lindsey), step-granddaughter Maddie and step-grandsons Charlie and Teddy.

Also survived by brother-in-law David Titus (Cindy), children Bradley (Katherine), Alex and Eric. Brother-in-law Stuart Titus (Caroline), children Ellie (Devin), Abbie and Grady. Brother-in-law Cliff Titus (Marcie), children Lucas (Jennie), Matt (Angelica) and Nick (Stephanie).

There will be a celebration of life October 26, 10 a.m. at Baywood Golf and Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northern California Community Blood Bank, Hospice of Humboldt or a charity of your choice.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jacob Pauli’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.