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Michael Meyer Jacobs

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Wayne State University

Michael Jacobs Obituary

Jacobs, Michael Meyer
June 2, 1916 - October 21, 2009
Born in Detroit Michigan to Jewish Russian immigrants Julius and Clara Jacobs, Mike worked in the Civil Conservation Corps in Michigan, then at Woloshins Delicatessen in Boyle Heights California. Corporal, 884th Field Artillery Battalion United States Army deployed in northern France in WW2. Earned Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Wayne State University. Married Grace Gaines in Los Angeles in 1943. Founded Electronic Enclosures in 1957 pioneering designed enclosures for computers and electronic equipment. Co-Founded Tork-Link in 1973, a company that engineered and manufactured and marketed battery powered electric vehicles. Partnered in Magnet Sales & Mfg 1975. After retiring he pursued his passion for the environment, land use planning, and trees, serving as a co-founder and board member of the Planning & Conservation League. Purchased agricultural land in Pescadero California and moved to nearby Santa Cruz in 1980. With son Larry, founded Jacobs Farm an Organic Herb farm and Del Cabo organic farming cooperative in Baja California. Committed player of the New York Times crossword puzzles and Jeopardy. Deeply passionate while listening to Mozart and Beethoven. Eternally optimistic, Mike was an impressive and caring man. A "giant" who made us proud of his accomplishments. Mike was blessed with a vision of what was possible and in his quiet way always knew how to go about making it happen. On October 21, 2009 after a day with his family, working the crossword puzzle and watching PBS, Mike died peacefully and quickly in his home in Santa Cruz California amongst his wife Grace and daughter Yana. Also survived by his sister Bea Elkin, sons Larry and Robert grandchildren Caleb, Aaron, Halle and Julius Walker, nephews Ray Storch, Randall Jacobs, David and Daniel Elkin, nieces Diane Elkin and Laurel Jacobs. Beloved husband of Grace, Brother Jack, sisters June and Bea. Mike's 93 years enriched our lives and the many whose lives he touched. Donations in memorial can be made to either UCSC Foundation David Gaines Award, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 http://tinyurl.com/yhux5h6 or Planning & Conservation League, 1107 9th Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814 http://www.pcl.org/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Nov. 22 to Nov. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Jacobs

Sponsored by Rob Jacobs.

45 Entries

Yana Jacobs

November 17, 2023

Yana Jacobs

November 17, 2023

Yana Jacobs

November 17, 2023

Our dad

Yana Jacobs

November 17, 2023

Yana Jacobs

November 17, 2023

David Teachout

August 27, 2010

I met Mike Jacobs in about 1980, when he came to my home/studio in Santa Cruz. He, along with his son, Larry, and daughter-in-law, Sandy, requested my design services for an extensive organic farm on land just purchased in Pescadero, up the coast. I was immediately impressed with their common vision and open mindedness in developing a working concept for the project. The form of the current farm emerged from our long and frank discussions. Particularly important, I believe, has been the improvement of the soil and the actual production of organic foods, uncontaminated by chemicals. Equally important, has been the consideration for farm workers, by the building of solar bungalows for permanent residency of the long-term workers, who merely need to step out their door to be at work in a truly wholesome environment. Mike's vision and persistence, along with his designer, resulted in the finest farm labor housing in the state.

Not long after our first meeting, Mike picked me up one drizzly day in his sport coupe, and drove us to Carmel Highlands, the northern beginning of the Big Sur coast, in order to show me the stone work that he admired, at the well known and poetic work of architecture by one of the Green and Green brothers. The long drive, and others in the future up to Pescadero, gave us many opportunities to converse, explore ideas, tell stories: get to know one another. Out of all these creative conversations, architectural forms were manifested, some built, many only visualized on paper. In an open-minded manner within a field of trust, we were able to touch a degree of originality with appropriate designs for the specific demands of the projects, which moved beyond the conventional.

Mike was indeed forward looking, a good man with a mind a step ahead of his time. His insistence to be creative, move ahead, is memorialized for me by Mike's driving abilities. I still remember the first ride in the sport coupe, when we needed to back out of a dirt road in the country. Mike had driven in the road straight and true. But, backing out was another matter. Zig-zaging back and forth across the dirt road, Mike turning the wheel one way and then the other, over correcting, stopping to go forward to straighten out, then zig-zagging backwards again, until we reached the paved highway, and left reverse gear behind us on the country road. Mike, as I knew him: a man who was at his best moving forward.

Peter Klepa

March 20, 2010

In the fall of 1961 just three-years out of The Art Center College of Design, Mike Jacobs, then President of Electronic Enclosures Inc, reviewed my design portfolio and made me an offer impossible to turn down: Director of Design for his up and coming company.

I quickly discovered that Mike had a very good design sense, along with a great sense of humor. We thought along parallel lines. The early 1960s were exciting and challenging times in the budding computer and electronics industry. It was the era preceding silicone chips, when a computer was the size of a closet and had the memory of a gnat. Under Mike’s steady guidance, the company and I flourished. We designed and built enclosures and product packages for, amongst other things; the first Ruby Red Laser invented by Hughes Aircraft, Bally’s first electronic slot machine, consoles in NASA’s mission control center monitoring astronauts on their way to the moon, and many more interesting and challenging projects.

As my working relationship with Mike grew, he asked me to help with the redesign of his home in Cheviot Hills. In typical Mike Jacobs fashion, we designed and built a most unique kitchen in his suburban home. While others shook their heads questioning the practicality of Mike’s ideas, Mike pushed on, with the latest appliances, electrical systems and contemporary architecture. He relished exciting new design ideas, clever integration of the appliances, clean simple details. We worked many weeks together on this pleasurable and exciting project.

Mike and his lively and intelligent wife Grace invited me and my wife Susan to their home-numerous times, along with Jules and Sandra Gordon, sometimes for dinner, other times for a theater or concert night. Mike and Grace were there for Susan and me during a personal tragedy and offered whatever support we needed.

Mike Jacobs got to live his "American Dream", starting in his garage, reaching financial success, and I got to live that experience somewhat later. During our eight years together I learned a lot of business and life wisdoms from Mike, and I will forever be grateful to fate for making our paths cross at a crucial time for both of us.

It was a privilege to have such a fine man in our lives.

Estelle & Bernie Tuvman

January 6, 2010

Mike was a "giant" of a man who always made us proud of his accomplishments. Mike was blessed with a vision of what was possible and in his quiet way always knew how to go about making it happen.

We will miss him.

Ellen Christophe

January 6, 2010

Mike Jacobs touched my life too - he was a real innovator, a creator, a visionary and generous of heart. I'm glad he had so many good years with his wonderful family.

Henry Smith

January 4, 2010

I knew Mike Jacobs for 35 years: first as his son-in-law, then as the building contractor for his one-of-a-kind construction projects in Pescadero. Mike was a loving friend, a man who hugely influenced the direction of my life, second only to my own father. He was a generous and doting grandfather to my sons, Caleb and Aaron. When his first grandchild was born, Mike would bike over to our house in Santa Cruz for what he called “his Caleb fix”. He would regularly drop by unannounced, gaze at the sleeping baby for about 5 minutes (speechless for once in his life) then ride away.

I owe Mike for having such a satisfying and rewarding job, helping to build the unique barn/office in Pescadero and later the state-of-the-art farm labor housing complex of Jacobs Farm. When the first dream barn burned down after 2 long years of difficult construction, I tried to talk Mike into building a more conventional California-style barn. He agreed we needed to do something differently. So we built the same barn again, but 60 feet longer!

I admired Mike for being undaunted by challenges, whether caused by unusual building designs, contentious neighbors, or uncooperative County officials. He survived lymphoma. He was a fighter. I never saw him give up on a project he cared about or a person he believed in, no matter how “unique” the project or iconoclastic the person.

During the last years of his life, he enjoyed catching a ride with me up to Pescadero, touring the property, looking at the meadow where he had a dream of building a home. There’s a site above the reservoir where he, Larry and Sandy planted a forest of Monterey Pines. He recounted how he loved to come out for lunch at Duarte’s, then he’d walk the property, check up on various projects, and lie in the fallen pine needles, listening to the wind in the trees he had planted.

Mike was amazingly fit and proud of his appearance (sporting custom clothes, and showing uncommon loyalty to his favorite hairdresser). He was an early advocate of Par-course exercise routines, first in LA then at UC Santa Cruz. When Mike was in his 70s we worked side-by-side building a check dam for the Pescadero reservoir. He unloaded and stacked almost one hundred 80-pound bags of concrete. Well into his 80s he was a regular gym member and bike rider.

Mike collected acorns from all around California, and loved planting the seedlings around the property. At the farm labor housing there’s now a mature oak grove, providing shade for the housing, and branches for children’s swings. This is a wonderful and fitting legacy for Mike. I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to have known him in my life. He was a truly remarkable human being.

Ellen Christophe

January 3, 2010

I will always remember Mike Jacobs with fondness and admiration. I admired his intellectual and personal strength and his ability to see the bigger needs of society. Rob, the addition you made of the electric buses is amazing and telling! Love to your whole family, best wishes for the continued health of the farm and its community. Mike is an example of following your dreams. Thank you, Mike, for showing us how to dream.
Love to Grace and all the family.
Ellen Christophe Garrett

Willard Reisz

December 30, 2009

I have known Mike Jacobs since September 1974 -- both as a friend and as an attorney. Mike addressed every question and problem that was put to him or which was presented to him in an intelligent, responsible and ethical manner -- he will be greatly missed.

Julius Walker Jacobs

December 30, 2009

My Grandpa read stories to me when I was little. Now I am six and a half. He was my daddy's daddy. He was 93! I loved to play with him but he is gone, luckily I still have my Grandma.

I love my Grandpa very much. I miss him. I hope he has a good life in heaven.

Christie and Hank Flum

December 26, 2009

Mike was a searing presence in our lives .. the go to guy.Yet a gentle friend with enormous funds of wit and understanding. Christie and Hank Flum( Petaluma)

paul Lee

December 23, 2009

Mike was a regular attendant of Penny University which meets every Monday at Calvary Church. I first met MIke at meetings about the future of Santa Cruz after the earthquake and noted what a thoughtful visionary he was regarding community and social relations. He was a valued participant at the Penny and I remember how he glowed when I did a piece on Homer and the Odyssey. He was so appreciative of my interpretation of a particular simile and I was so grateful that it struck such a chord. He was a fine man and I miss him greatly.

Don Farber

December 21, 2009

Mike and Grace have been an anchor and a source of kindness in this crazy world. Fitting that their residence in Los Angeles was on Anchor Avenue! Mike was an inspiration in my life. He always seemed to care about what was going on with me when we talked, not about himself. He had a positive attitude and he applied his wisdom and the resources he acquired from his successful businesses to doing good in the world. I always admired him for riding a bicycle everywhere from when he was younger and late into his life. That showed me that he loved life, cared for the environment, knew how important regular exercise is, and how enjoyable it can be as well. At the same time, he balanced it with a love for good Jewish deli food. Mike had a life well lived. He was a great guy. We all miss him.

Ann Gentry

December 20, 2009

Mike was the only father-in-law I've had and he was exactly what one should be in this role. He kept his distance but still cared, he was supportive when called upon, otherwise, allowed us to make our own decisions.

Though, it was hard for him in these last years, he enjoyed seeing the smiling faces of his youngest grandchildren. Though, they will miss his presence while growing up, his memory will stay in their hearts forever.

December 17, 2009

"My Uncle Mike was in so many ways different than his brother Jack, my Father, but in so many ways...the same. Not matter what, I always knew that my Uncle Mike had my back. I miss that." Laurel Jacobs Hefner (La Quinta,CA)

Aaron Jacobs-Smith

December 17, 2009

Borrowing what I hope was his highest form of praise, Mike Jacobs was a most satisfactory grandfather. I loved him deeply.

Kerry Beth Hosley

December 17, 2009

I only knew Mike Jacobs for 5 years, not long or well, but enough to have loved and admired him as an intelligent, charming human being. As the partner of Mike's former son-in-law, Henry, my relationship with Mike and Grace was built over dinners, always in the best restaurants, always a guest of their generosity. In the last few years as Mike grew less interested in going out at night, we would bring over a basket of our modest fare and eat at their house about once a month. We looked forward to these visits. Mike and I connected over memories of Michigan, where we were both born, and over a shared love of words.

My favorite memory of Mike, not surprisingly, takes place in a restaurant. After the announcement of the Jacobs Farm courtroom victory, we drove Mike and Grace to a celebration dinner at Cafe Cruz where we met with a large group of the Santa Cruz staff. The conversation at our table touched on the food and music of traditional Jewish holiday celebrations, and Mike cried as he remembered the familiar music played at the temple in his childhood. It was a tender moment as Mike sat at the head of the table, deep in thought, expressing both joy and sadness in the recollection of familiar tunes.

I miss you Mike, and feel lucky to have known you.

Joanna Bull

December 14, 2009

HOMAGE TO MIKE JACOBS FROM AN OLD FRIEND

Mike Jacob’s passing leaves us with memories of an extraordinary man of vision, whose values were in the right place and whose charisma was impressive to anyone who was paying attention. He died without drama or fanfare; he accomplished this transition in the simple, direct style that he lived. And in his last years he lived heroically, as I saw it and heard about it, living in every way possible, until he could no more. Mike was such a life force that he would have gone on to rival Methuselah, had fate and time allowed. He loved to live.

Mike cared about people and how they live. I loved him because he was the father of my favorite friend, but he intrigued me because he cared about community and the quality of the living environment. He went both back into history and into the future to accomplish this. His barn in Pescadero, the living quarters he provided for his workers, his vision of an enlightened communal town environment, the integrity of the land over which he was the steward, were his passions. His sons and grandsons are now immersed in this way of living for others in the right way, and his daughter devotes her own life to serving those who are far less fortunate than the Jacobs family has been. Good job, Mike.

When my dear friend Yana described her childhood and adolescence, I was envious: such modernity, such freedom! Mike and his extraordinary wife Grace, were both ahead of their times. Their home in Los Angeles showed that; the way Mike conducted his business, which looked ahead time and again, at just the right time, showed it, too. I think that this kind of success is in the genes, and the Jacobs genes have ensured success even as they respond inventively to what the world needs now to make it work better.

I will miss Mike. I remember his picking me up at the airport when I volunteered to coach Yana in natural childbirth, which in his day and mine had been a pioneering kind of activity. I don’t know if he had any idea what it was all about, but he will willing to support Yana in whatever it was that she was up to next. Ditto for his sons and grandchildren. His generosity was legend. Friends and family relied on Mike to know what was needed, and to give without hesitation.

Later years are never kind, and Mike saw more than his share of illness and physical privation. Mentally, one knew that he was present and cared, whatever your humble role in his life may have been. Through illness that progressed on many levels, he continued to enjoy his adopted Santa Cruz, with routines that kept him as fit as possible and up to date on the world around him. He and Grace were as kind to my own son there, as they had been to their own children. He cared, but didn’t make much noise about it.

I completely admired Mike for his vision of farming and housing and community; I loved that he was there as fathers should be for his daughter, my dear friend; I was grateful for them that he cared about the education of his descendents, that he was behind their work and their lives. To put it in brief: Mike Jacobs was a mensch, but of the very best kind. Seeing what mattered, doing the right thing, not demanding returns or attention, just moving forward with a groundedness that was about as solid as we humans can manage.

Mike, love to you, and thanks for your inspiration: I give you my loving respect and wish you a serene and fulfilled journey.

Dale Dickerson

December 10, 2009

Mike always seemed a renaissance man to me. He was visionary in his attitude and persistent in his intellect and curiousity. Wherever that bit of energy that defines our life force goes when we reach that point of release....I'm glad his is bouncing around the universe somewhere.

December 7, 2009

Mike spoke into my life , at a time when I needed to hear some wisdom. I not only saw who he was , but who he had been. He put his family first, this is righteous and he was a righteous man. thank you Mike for speaking into my life, and I will miss you forever Ilona Wood

Yana Jacobs

December 3, 2009

My dad was the best dad a girl could ever wish for. I was my"daddy's girl" I always felt loved and protected, cared for and appreciated. I was always proud of my dad, he was a kind and caring man, he was a model of integrity, and goodheartedness with a sense of humor yet serious and intelligent.
I will miss him every day always, and only hope I can pass on to my boys the gift of love, and the true meaning of family that he instilled within me.

Mike with sissters June and Bea and brother Jack, circa 1973.

December 1, 2009

Mike and Grace Jacobs with Grandson Julius Walker Jacobs December 2005.

December 1, 2009

Larry Jacobs

December 1, 2009

I'll remember Mike by the life he lived, the values he taught me, his curiosity for life and his honest and humble directness towards death. I was priviliged to have him as my father.

randall jarrell

December 1, 2009

I met Mike through my dear friend Yana. I lived across the street from Grace and Mike and spent many holiday and party evenings with their family and friends. Mike would find a comfy chair in the midst of the festivities and was content to be amongst his loved ones, reading, and having spirited conversations on the issues of the day.
I remember frequently bumping into Mike at the Whole Earth Restaurant at the University. He always found the best tuna sandwiches. He would hang out, doing his crossword puzzle, relaxed and content. I started doing the NYT crosswords myself. I was no match for Mike who probably completed each day’s puzzle in less than an hour. Sometimes I phoned him when I was vexed and frustrated by a clue. He always knew the answer. He loved chamber music, his daily walks, his NPR news. He always asked about my kids and how they were doing.
A simple, unaffected, most lovely mensch,
I will miss him.
— Randall

Jon Webster

December 1, 2009

MIke was a friend and mentor to me. I will always remember his kindness, generosity and high moral and ethical standards. I hope to pass on to others all of the good things Mike shared with me.

Robert Hudson

December 1, 2009

Mike was my father in law and shared the exact same birthdate as my father. He was the most generous, kind, and wise person I have ever known. I was able to share many wonderful times with Mike at his home, going to the theatre, movies, out to dinner and seeing him at the gym working out in the afternoon. He lived a great life and I consider myself very fortunate to have shared so much time with him over the past several years.

Beatrice Beatrice Elkin

November 30, 2009

.My brother Mike was a constant part of my life since I was a child - someone I always looked up to and admired. He was not verbally expressive to me but he was always protective of me. I shall miss him always.

Diane Elkin

November 30, 2009

No one can ever replace my father who passed away, but Uncle Mike was the closest. I felt his strength, and his caring. I remember the crossword puzzles, the humor, and the way he'd look at my mother (his youngest sister). With a look like "I don't believe you !"

Ray Storch

November 29, 2009

Mike was my uncle, my mother June's revered older brother. On behalf of June Jacobs Storch and my brother Kim, we celebrate Mike's many contributions and the legacy he left to the environment. The philosopher in Mike dreamed Big Dreams, which the engineer in him helped to realize. The Land symbolizes the combination of lofty ambitions and earthly successes. He was always a pioneer in my eyes and the light of June's life.

Kathleen Gaines

November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving is the perfect day to remember Uncle Mike since I am thankful everyday to have had him in my life from the time I was born, through the years growing up in LA, and later years in many visits in Santa Cruz and elsewhere. He and Aunt Grace, along with Yana, Larry & Robbie are as much family as my own Gaines family. Both Uncle Mike and my late Uncle Mort were always there for me and will always remain in my heart.

david elkin

November 26, 2009

mike was my uncle. my mother's older brother. having lost my own father at an early age uncle mike acted as a surrogate father to not only me and my siblings but i'm sure to others as well. he was always there, in a quiet yet forceful way, for whoever needed his council or help.

Rob Jacobs

November 24, 2009

Although it took me four weeks to get this obituary published I left out an important and telling piece of career information. My dad co-founded a company called Tork-Link in 1972, designing and manufacturing battery powered all electric buses that were sold to municipalities and National Parks. Typically, Mike was just a few decades ahead of his time. More later.

Gerald Meral

November 24, 2009

Mike was a great guy, and a loyal and committee PCL Board Member. I was proud to know him

Jerry Meral

Dan Elkin

November 24, 2009

Uncle Mike was the unassuming rock in the family.He was a wonderful big brother to my mother (Bea ) ,a sounding board for his nephews and nieces. He was a mensch in every sense of the word....
His nephew Dan

Joyce Michaelson

November 23, 2009

Dear Grace and Yana,
My love and condolences to you. Although
its been many years, I remember Mike as a very intelligent, loving and gracious man. A life well lived.

Richard Gaines

November 23, 2009

Mike was my brother-in-law and he was a very special person from the time he joined our family by marrying my sister, Grace, in 1943. There are too many anecdotes about Mike that could tell the story of what a wonderful guy he was for this limited space, but it is enough to note that my wife and I spent many wonderful nights until one or two o'clock in the morning engaged in bull sessions in their apartment directly behind ours in L.A. He loved the outdoors and his favorite place to hike was the Bear Paw trail in Sequoia Nat'l Park. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him,

Gary Patton

November 23, 2009

Mike Jacobs was a generous and contributing spirit. It was such a pleasure to know him and work with him during the time we both served on the Board of Directors of the Planning and Conservation League. My warm and sincere regards to Grace and the other members of Mike's family.

Paul Tuvman

November 23, 2009

Grace,Larry,Yana (aka Judy), & Rob,

Mike was a great guy! I have great memories of his optimism, crossword puzzle skills, bike riding feats, & overall good guy/warm demeanor. He always treated us neighborhood kids well & was a guy we could all look up to. I do think of Mike whenever I pick up a crossword puzzle or embark on a triathlon or some type of endurance feat. Mike would not let any barriers/restrictions get in his way. He believed in making things happen no matter how hard/tough they actually were. He will be missed & I'm glad I new him!

November 23, 2009

I remember Mike with great fondness. Dave Hirsch Past President of the Planning and Conservation League and Chairperson of the Planning and Conservation Foundation.

Anil Nanji

November 23, 2009

Mike was a man ahead of his time, caring for the environment before it became a cause, sometimes riding his bicycle to work 25 years ago. I'll always remember Mike as being smart, deeply intelligent, curious about everything and everyone, and most of all interested. He was present when you talked to him, and would always see the humor in things. I know that apart from leaving his gentle and positive mark on his family, he touched positively all who knew him. I shall always remember Mike, and wish his family peace and love at this time of loss, but also a time of celebration of a life well lived.
Anil Nanji

Jody Isaak

November 23, 2009

Dear Grace and woderful Jacobs family,
I have only the fondest of memories of Mike and yourself which trace back to the 1970's when I was a a teen seeking to move to California to change the world as a marine biologist and dolphin trainer. Your warm and engaging home on Anchor (so appropriate) was always filled with wit and wisdom and your own life stories inspired me to always reach high and stay grounded. On behalf of myself and my dad, Jerry and sisters and brothers, Jamie, Jill, Jonathan and Jeffrey, we send you our thoughts and love.

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