John Harrison JACOBY SR.

John Harrison Jacoby Sr., was born on November 17, 1947, in Waynesville, Missouri, to John Harrison Jacoby I. and Maude Marie Gray. He later moved to Alton, Illinois, where he was affectionately nicknamed "Johnny Jump Up" by Bessie & Hadley Murrell, his adoptive parents, who had taken him in and treated him as their own. He would often say he "owed them everything for the life they gave him."

John attended Richland Schools, where he discovered a lifelong love for music. During his senior year, he sang in a quartet with fellow classmates, earning top honors at the Missouri State competition.

In November 1965, John married Wanda Lee Gibson. Together, they welcomed three children: Michaela Elyene, John Harrison Jacoby III ("Jay"), and Shon Ryan. Throughout the years, John worked in various roles before taking a leap of faith and purchasing the Champlin truck stop. This venture ignited a passion for trucking that became his lifelong career, earning him numerous accolades and the respect of his peers.

In January 1984, John married Willie Dean Lilly, expanding his family with the addition of stepchildren: Johnny William Hicks, Genia Darlene Craig, Bobby Earl Hicks, James Allen Hicks, and the adoption of James Roy Jacoby. He also played a loving and active role in helping raise his grandchildren, Ashley Marie Jacoby (Heskett) and Dameon James Jacoby.

John's faith was a cornerstone of his life. At the age of twelve, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized in the Gasconade River while attending Independence Baptist Church.

Later in life, John found immense fulfillment working for Danny Herman Trucking. From 2007 to 2021, he was honored as Driver of the Year and earned Driver of the Month eleven times. His final recognition came in January 2023, marking the culmination of a proud and accomplished career. He retired in 2024, with deep satisfaction and gratitude.

John departed this life on September 28, 2025, surrounded by love and faith. The family extends heartfelt thanks to St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support during his final journey.

John is survived by his loving wife, Willie Dean (Lilly) Jacoby; four sons, Shon Jacoby, Bobby Hicks, James Hicks and his wife C.J. and James Roy Jacoby; two daughters, Michaela Brunmeier and her husband Neal and Genia Craig and her husband Joe; grandchildren, Ashley Heskett and her husband Tyler, and Dameon Jacoby; other grandchildren, great- grandchildren, great-great- grandchildren, several other relatives and many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two sons, John Harrison "Jay" Jacoby III and Johnny Hicks; one sister, Elsie Olsen.

John was deeply loved by his family and left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering faith will be remembered always.

According to his family, as he departed this life, his final words were "I'm Going Home to be with Jesus." What a wonderful greeting that must have been.