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Randall Jacobs Obituary
Phoenix - Randall Jacobs of Phoenix died at age 65, having lived a life that would have sent a lesser man to his grave decades earlier. His friends called him RJ, but to his family he was Uncle Bunky, a.k.a. The Bunkster. He told his last joke, which cannot be printed here, on May 4th, 2020.
Uncle Bunky burned the candle, and whatever else was handy, at both ends. He spoke in a gravelly patois of wisecracks, mangled metaphors, and inspired profanity that reflected the Arizona dive bars, Colorado ski slopes, and various dodgy establishments where he spent his days and nights. He was a living, breathing "hang loose" sign, a swaggering hybrid of Zoni desert rat, SoCal hobo, and Telluride ski bum.
A prolific purveyor of Bunky-isms such as "Save it, clown!" (or "Zeebo" if he was in a mood), he would mercilessly tease his "goombatz" nephews with nicknames such as "mud flap" and "style master." Just days after his beloved cat Kitters passed away, he too succumbed to "The Great Grawdoo", leaving behind a vapor trail of memories and a piece of sage advice lingering in his loved ones' ears: "Do what Bunky say. Not what Bunky do."
For all his chaotic energy and hysterical charm, he had a gentle soul. A night out with Bunky could result in a court summons or a world-class hangover, but his friends and family would drop whatever they were doing to make a trip out to see him. His impish smile and irreverent sense of humor were enough to quell whatever sensibilities he offended. He didn't mean any harm; that was just Bunky being Bunky.
When the end drew near, he left us with a final Bunkyism: "I'm ready for the dirt nap, but you can't leave the party if you can't find the door."
He found the door, but the party will never be the same without him.
In lieu of flowers, please pay someone's open bar tab, smoke a bowl, and fearlessly carve out some fresh lines through the trees on the gnarliest side of the mountain.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Randall Jacobs
Spike Mcquade
July 2, 2021
I can´t believe it´s been over a year since you left us for the fluffiest powder. The world is coming along to your point of view, Uncle B.
John Watts
February 18, 2021
RJ, I knew you. My life was always quite a bit more interesting when you were in it. Your obit was right on. I wondered where you went after Telluride. R. I. P. my friend. See you on the other side. JW "The Liberty Cells" , Colorado
Steve Pohlmeyer
December 6, 2020
And now RJ has his own malt liquor:
https://fb.watch/2cRkvHga5O/
Tamara Todd
December 3, 2020
Well done Uncle Bunky.
Kristi
November 20, 2020
My family and I are writing up our dad’s obituary and one of my siblings said “Have you heard of Uncle Bunky? Google it.”
We needed to hear about Bunky!
We all smiled and laughed and thought our dad and Uncle Bunky could have been buds. Thanks for sharing! Wonderfully penned. We send our love from MN.
Yvonne Wade
July 15, 2020
This is One excellent obit. What a character. I wish Id known him. Sorry for your loss. A Georgia reader.
Alex
June 13, 2020
I have never met Bunky, but he sounds like my favorite Uncle who passed away years ago. I hope they found each other wherever they are shotgunning beers and telling dirty jokes. This man's obit has brought joy to the lives of millions of strangers in a time of darkness.
Claire from Scotland
June 11, 2020
God you sound like a great guy! Wish the world was filled with Uncle Bunksters! Rest easy :*
Ian
June 3, 2020
Hope youre skiing the clouds
John in San Diego
May 28, 2020
I never met you but you sound like my kind of people. Rest in peace, Bunky. The world needs more like you.
MA
May 27, 2020
I hope we meet in the next life Bunky, I surely do.
Jodie Morris
May 27, 2020
Bunky sounds like our kind of people... GOOD! I will make sure that the first tracks we make on our next trip to the mountains in the winter will be in his memory! Go rest high, Bunky!
Tom
May 27, 2020
Would have loved to me you Bunkster. And the masterful writer of your obit. Happy Trails!
Mike
May 26, 2020
That fella was a classic by this account. Godspeed Bunky and my condolences to all that were lucky enough to laugh with him in person.
Josh Hirst
May 25, 2020
RockOn RJ!, and May heaven have some knar back country bowls to plant your skis in. Hope to meet you on the other side!! CHEERS!
Juba Doobai
May 25, 2020
Bunky, I never knew ye, but I sure wish I had. I'm way down in the southern Caribbean, so I'm just a neighbor who would've loved to be a friend. To his family and friends, rejoice and be exceeding glad that one such as Bunky was a part of your life. May the stories be told over and over again.
Sam Deakins
May 25, 2020
Hang in there, Bunky.
TSLL
May 25, 2020
Your uncle left a jet stream thats others would only hope to. Youve been left with some priceless material to keep you and yours entertained for a lifetime. Those of us with a uncle Bunky in our lives were truly blessed. Truly. My brother Curtis was 10 feet tall and bulletproof like RJ. He lived to 34 but his hijinx and the mayhem caused will live on through the generations like your uncles will. Our blessing.
The love you have for your uncle is apparent and you will miss him always. He lives on through you and you will always honor him through the tales you share. Tell his stories.
RIP uncle Bunky. Youd have been welcome here.
Tempus Fugit
May 25, 2020
As I read this strangers wonderful tribute on my 41st Birthday...I have to say I'm inspired!!! Inspired to keep living my life to the fullest, staring my fears and obstacles dead in the eyes and then tackling them with every shred of my being! I've survived death twice and 26 surgeries in the past 3 years...at times I begged the Lord to take me because the pain was unbearable...today I read the most compelling tribute of a man that lived his life to the fullest, everybody loved him and he clearly accomplished what was most important in life...love your neighbors as you love yourself and just be an AWESOME human being to those blessed enough to have met you. Many blessings to your family and friends...you've made more of a positive impact than you realize Mr. Bunky, Sir!
Hang Loose from SW Fl. :)
Ava Sloan
May 25, 2020
Didn't know him.. but certainly would have like to! I am sure he is enjoying all of this publicity posthumously!! Thank you!!
angela
May 25, 2020
Bunky's light never fell upon my path but knowing he lived, helped me see the road a little more clearly. shine on!
Steve Baugh
May 25, 2020
We had a friend like the Bunkster in our neighborhood. He died penniless so we hand built his coffin, put him in it and took him to the biker bar in a 54 Chevy pickup for one last drink with his friends. We hand buried him and set a stone donated from local bars, friends and enemies that is the nicest stone in the graveyard. We still gather at his grave every year on April fools day near Waco,Tx to hoist one for Bubba Louie, last of the true scooter tramps.
Jocelyn Lacey
May 24, 2020
Just read the obituary about your beloved Uncle Bunky! Sounds like a hell of a guy! My sympathies to yall in your loss, but sounds like yall have a lifetime of memories to get yall through until yall meet again!
Jocelyn Lacey
Kennebunkport, Maine
Josh
May 24, 2020
Did Bunky by chance hang around Benson ever? If so, I may know someone who might have knew him or of him. If so, email me [email protected]
Dr Mixer
May 24, 2020
I wish I would have known Bunky. He seemed like an amazing guy. You've partied hard pal, rest up a bit.
Terry
May 24, 2020
Later Bunky! Would love to know who wrote your obituary!
Queeg McQuade
May 23, 2020
The Bunk loved this place dearly. The Boneyard near Tucson. They retire aircraft there. I hope hes retired in like style. Big loss for all that knew him.
Ralph
May 23, 2020
I would love to hear that joke!
Patricia In Ohio
May 23, 2020
hat a wonderful tribute to a man that had the conviction to live on his own terms!
Tele' Mon
May 23, 2020
He had to be a fellow free heeler at sometime. Awesome obit. I've met some colorful ski buns but Bunky would have been a treat to meet. Keep your tips up Bunky. That's why we live like there's snow tomorrow.
Richard
May 23, 2020
I didnt know him , this the way everyone should live.he was a fun person and did things his way.
Ur Family has my deepest sympathy. I know he will missed deeply.
Richard
AJL
May 23, 2020
Wow! Totally inspired me to do more with life while I got it. A wonderful story written with such passion. Rest easy.
Spike McQuade
May 23, 2020
Uncle Bunkys stature showed the value of living a regret- free life. Im sure the next life will be even more eventful.
Shelley
May 22, 2020
What a character! Reminds me a bit of my dad who showed himself through the door at age 71 - 10 years ago this July. It was a long, hard grief process, but through it all I still found myself getting a kick out of something that man said or did almost every day. I still do :) Im sure memories of Bunky will also continue to spread joy and inspire bravery among his family, friends, and all who come across this awesome tribute.
Arlene
May 22, 2020
Bunky, when you get to the other side, I hope you can find and buddy up with my son Alan. You are the type of friend he would have gravitated to, and I know you and him can turn Paradise on its side! My condolences to your family for the loss they feel, but know all the joy they will have reliving your experiences in this life. Rest easy, dude.
Pete
May 22, 2020
Godspeed my brother.
Cane
May 22, 2020
You sound exactly like my kind of people Uncle Bunny. You sound loved and missed. I never met you but I hope you're resting with the smile of satisfaction knowing you lived by your own rules. Cheers.
KMAC
May 22, 2020
the good Lord finally has someone he can crack up with
Jerry from Pa
May 22, 2020
You know Im sitting here on May 22 reading this glorious tribute to a man I never met but wishing I could be more like! Life is short enjoy it Im so very sorry for your loss Uncle Bunky should live forever in all our hearts we need more of his kind in America now more than ever.
RIP uncle bunky I wish we had been friends!
Ron
May 22, 2020
Never knew the man, but sure would have liked to meet him and buy him a round. The world needs more like Mr Jacobs...especially now. Rest In Paradise.
Lisa Marie Gulbenkian-Fertman
May 22, 2020
I really enjoyed reading what you wrote about this man! Have never known him and that his joy was as big as his heart is something most of us can only wish for. Thank you!
Ryan Moody
May 22, 2020
Never knew you Bunky, but damn, I wish I had! Your Obituary was shared around our rugby group and we were sure you were a Rugger. Rest easy Bunky.
John Hopkins
May 22, 2020
Wish I'd known him. He probably exceeds the quality of his obituary and that is saying something.
Angie Miller
May 22, 2020
Never knew Bunky but wish I did. Sound like he was a great man. Shared this in Prairie Du Sac Wisconsin..
Barth McQuade
May 22, 2020
Harry Simpson
May 22, 2020
Godspeed Randall. A wonderful tribute to a man that will be dearly missed, and lovingly remembered.
Jake MacQuade
May 22, 2020
Dan Landrum
May 22, 2020
I think Uncle Bunky would be pleased at knowing he's bringing smiles and a moment of joy to the faces of complete strangers. Sorry for the family's loss, but thank you for sharing such a well-written homage.
Greg
May 21, 2020
I never knew him, but the world would be a better place if there were more like him. Hoisting one in his honor in Baltimore, MD!
Cheers, and God bless!
Jon McLaughlin
May 21, 2020
My kind of guy. See you there bro.
Joan
May 21, 2020
So sorry about your Uncle Bucky, he sounds like he was quite a guy. I wish I could have known him. I will have a drink in memory of him. May he Rest In Peace.
Patrick
May 21, 2020
What a great tribute...
Anonymous
May 21, 2020
A life and a man to be admired and loved. And it sounds like he was. And Im so sorry for your loss.
VICKY NEWMAN
May 21, 2020
He sounds like an amazing guy who lived a great life. Raising a glass tonight from Belfast, Ireland.
Deanna
May 21, 2020
Sounds like he was a very colorful guy !❤
Ronnie
May 21, 2020
This is a wonderful tribute to a life full of living. Wish I had know Bunky. RIP
Brian Beall
May 21, 2020
I feel my life is lesser having not known this man. We all need a friend/family member/partner in crime like this man. Go rest High on that Mountain. God Speed.
Anonymous
May 21, 2020
I did not know him but reading about him inspired me to do something fun today. He sounds like he enjoyed his years to the fullest and was a joy to know. RIP.
Frank Groundwater
May 20, 2020
Damn! Well said and well played! Cheers Bunky
MS MARGRAVE
May 20, 2020
Stupendous obituary.
Rod
May 20, 2020
RIP Bunky! Raise your glass, heres to Life! Great Obituary
Lisa
May 14, 2020
I did not know RJ, but he sounded like a rad guy. Love is picture and I can tell he lived a full life by the amazing words written here.
Harold
May 12, 2020
Bunky is definitely somebody I had to have run into on ski slopes in Squaw Valley or somewhere as such. What a character and what a testimony to a life should be lived. Hey Bunky, hit me up in my sleep and tell me what it's like where you ended up at :-)
Teddy Brasky
May 12, 2020
Randall was good friends with my uncle, Bill Brasky. Raise your glass to Bunky and Brasky!
John Grohmann
May 11, 2020
I'm sorry to say I didn't know Randall. A friend forwarded his obituary to me. All I can say is that I wish I'd had the chance to know him as RJ. May his memory endure, may the stories he left behind take on the patina of rich embellishment. My condolences to all.
Odkin Wood
May 10, 2020
RIP Bunky - you're an internet star now!
May 10, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Walter Applewhite
May 9, 2020
I wished I knew him. The best obitutary ever, I had tears in my eyes, and a smile on my face. Beautiful!
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