George Francis Jacob

George Francis Jacob, 61, peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, January 11, 2026. George was born June 10, 1964, in Chicago to Walter "Budd" and Margaret Jacob. He was a graduate of Dunlap High School and Northern Illinois University. He married Jeannine Couri on August 16, 1997, in Peoria and is the father of George, Walter "Jake", Katherine, Thomas and Bennett.
George was president of Brewers Distributing Company and a member of the Board of Directors of the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois. Additionally, he touched many lives through his service to the community. Close to his heart was being a member of the Peoria City Council, Neighborhood House and co-founder of Moonlight Basketball League. George was also a board member of Mid America Bank, involved with the Peoria City Chamber of Commerce and a trustee for the Peoria Sanitary District. George was also involved with Easter Seals, St. Jude, the Steamboat Classic and Heart of Illinois United Way. He also coached Peoria Area Youth Hockey. George received numerous awards, including being inducted into the African American Hall of Fame and the 1995 Class of Forty Leaders Under 40.
George was always up for an adventure, which he has passed on to his children. He bicycled from Peoria to the West Coast, throughout New Zealand, Australia and parts of Europe. He especially loved hunting with his sons in South Dakota and his special date nights with his daughter, Katherine.
Since May 2010, George has been cared for at home with great love and devotion by his wife, Jeannine, with the assistance of wonderful caregivers, Shirley Smith and Lakeisha Emerson. The family would like to also extend a special thank you to Dr. Tom Kouri, Dr. Samer Sader and Dr. Tom Rashid, as well as all of the other healthcare professionals who cared for George over the last 15 years.
George is survived by his wife, Jeannine, their five children, his mother, Margaret Jacob and his sister, Meg Jacob. George is also survived by many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Walter "Budd" Jacob and his brothers, Walter and Paul Jacob.
George was a member of St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Visitation will be Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the church with recitation of the rosary following visitation. Funeral Mass will be Friday, January 16, 2026 at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 12:00 PM, with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Fr. Patrick Henehan will officiate and burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Moonlight Coalition for Adult Learning for the George Jacob Literacy Scholarship or Easter Seals.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.wrightandsalmon.com