Robert Jacobs

Robert (Bob) Jacobs, 76, passed away on February 21, 2026, in Phoenix AZ.

Bob grew up in Elkhart, Indiana, graduating from Elkhart High School in 1967. He served in the Army from 1969 to 1971 and was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. Returning to the Elkhart area, he earned a degree from Indiana University at South Bend. Bob completed his graduate school education at Arizona State University, and realizing his love of mountains and open spaces, he made Phoenix his home. Bob's compassion and desire to help others motivated him to work in mental health and psychiatric services. Eventually Bob's love of learning led him to pursue a career as a high school social studies and history teacher. Bob's experience in the mental health field drew him to teach at alternative schools for students who were not successful in traditional public high schools. Bob loved teaching his students and took great pride in their successes.

Bob had great reverence for the natural world. He loved hiking with family and friends in the Arizona mountains and exploring wilderness areas wherever he traveled. He enjoyed fishing, and he took immense pleasure in tending his cactus and vegetable gardens. Bob was an avid learner about the outdoor world, as evidenced by his extensive collection of books on wildlife and natural history.

Bob will be remembered as a kind, tolerant and caring person with a great sense of humor. He was devoted to his children, Tok and Mark, and Bob had a special place in his heart for their mother, Sandy Jacobs. Bob is loved and will be missed by family and the many friends he made throughout his life, particularly his beloved partner, Judy Meyer.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, Chester Jacobs and Doris (Jacobs) Slayton, and his brother John. He is survived by his partner, Judy; children Tok, Mark Jacobs (Jenna Brown); sister Cindy Jacobs (Miguel Ramirez); nephew Daniel Ramirez (Hannah Emple) and their two children; niece Juliana Ramirez; and several cousins.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday, March 7 from 3:30-6:00 p.m., at Phoenix City Grille, 5816 N 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (Southwest corner of Bethany Home and 16th Street). Interment will take place later this spring in Elkhart, IN.

Memorial donations may be sent to Robert Jacobs, c/o Personal Representative, 4302 N. 18th Place, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Donations will be directed to a program supporting the natural environment. The family requests no flowers.