Dr. Jagaveerabhadra Rao Nulu

Dr. Jagaveerabhadra Rao Nulu, age 83, died peacefully early Sunday morning, April 27, 2025, with his son, Raviteja Nulu by his side, in Austin, Texas. He was comforted by all four of his children and close family in the days before his passing.

Jagaveerabhadra, lovingly referred to as "J.R.," "Nulu Rao," or "Jaga," was born on August 20, 1941, in the small village of Utrumilli, Andhra Pradesh, India, to Subbamma Nulu and Veerabhadra Nulu. His family were weavers of cotton by trade, and with basic means typical of village life at that time. He experienced hardship early in life with the death of two siblings and his father to Hepatitis B. With immense perseverance and his family’s support, he excelled in his studies. He earned admission to the very elite Pharmacy Institute, Bombay University, which was awarded to only one student per state and was entirely merit based. After graduation he worked at a British pharmaceutical company in their research and formulation division. Two of his products are still in market in India today. 

In his early 20s, Jaga made a monumental voyage by ship to the United States to pursue his graduate education at the University of California San Franscisco and then completed his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin in 1969. He then settled in San Antonio, Texas, and brought his mother and family members to pursue a better life in the US.

He married Vijaya in 1971, and had two children, Suma Nulu and Shanti Nulu. After Vijaya’s untimely death, Jaga married Sayileela and together had two children, Raviteja Nulu and Swetha Madhuri Nulu.

Jaga founded Trinity Chemical Corporation, which operated first out of San Antonio and then in Austin. He conducted cancer and pain-relief research initiatives, which led to his invention of several patented products.

Dr. Nulu has a profound effect on his family and community, best known as a dependable, compassionate, and giving soul who has helped countless family and friends during their times of need and supported their transition to the U.S. He served as a trustee of Hindu Temple of San Antonio and dedicated volunteer at the Sri Satya Sai Center of Austin. His family and children cherish his sense of humor and his love for sharing food with others. 

JR Nulu is survived by his four children, Suma, Shanti, Raviteja, and Swetha; his five grand-children, Akshay Singhal, Amritha Singhal, Amara Neely, William Neely, and Bodhi Neely.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 29th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Family and friends will gather for Visitation at Fred J. Tips Chapel in San Antonio on Wednesday, April 30th from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM; with a Memorial Gathering at 11:00 A.M. The Last Rites and Burial service will follow at Mission Burial Park - North Dominion Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions can be made in Dr. Nulu's Memory to the Habitat for Humanity, an organization aimed to build stability for families through financial support and housing. Donate through this link, and select the check box "Donate in honor of someone".