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H. William "Bill" Jacoby

H. William Jacoby Obituary

Bill Jacoby, of Medford, Or., passed away at home in Medford on November 25. He was a well known musician, music store owner and music teacher in the Redding area for many years. He is survived by four children, Michelle McCarthy of Baldwin Park, CA,; Coral Ramsdale of Anaheim, CA; J'Anna Jacoby Harrold of London, U.K. and Jayson Jacoby of Tokyo, Japan. Services will be at the First Assembly of God Church, 955 Elliott Rd., Paradise, CA at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the youth program of the Shasta Symphony or your local Hospice facility.

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

Published by Redding Record Searchlight on Dec. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for H. William Jacoby

35 Entries

Robert j Shisler

May 13, 2025

Dr. J
You gave me a best friend that I've never lost.
Your influence on me was everlasting!
I can't thank you enough.
I was an awkward 6th grader then .
Music was my only escape,and you made that possible for me. You taught me to play the acoustic/standup bass. Ive since then moved on to the electric and the rest is history.
My love of music came from you.
So did my ability to play it!
A simple thank you seems inadequate but Thank YOU Dr. Jacoby.
You were a Great man!

Mark Roberts

January 28, 2024

JAnna, my mom played the viola alongside your dad, Bill, in the Paradise Symphony Orchestra in I believe the late 60´s early 70´s. I can remember those concert Sunday evenings like they were just yesterday :) my mom told me that your dad had a great sense of humor and was always kind to her. I can remember my brother, sister & I playing with you and the other kids during the concert breaks on those Sunday evenings. My dad never let us miss a concert during those years and as a kid it was really hard to sit through them but your dad was always kind to us kids :) my brother, sister & I were born from 1959-1963. My wife and I were at one of Rod´s concerts in the Santa Barbara Bowl some years ago & of course we saw you performing & when Rod introduced you I realized that´s the little girl I used to play with as a child during those long symphony concerts :) I know your dad passed so time ago but I always wanted to drop you a line and tell you of the sweet memories I have of those early symphony concert years with my mom and your dad. My moms name is Joanne Roberts and mine is Mark Roberts, Shell Beach, California. God Bless you and yours :)

Haleene Williams

December 23, 2023

Bill played the saxophone in the first movie of the "Titanic'. He was a part of the band that played as the ship sank. He gave his time to others for the love of music and the pleasure on their faces as he played most any instrument so beautifully. Bill and my mother inlaw were very good friends and went into business together on some of his projects. They invested in musical instruments, his great idea foe music sheets covering classic to modern as important preservation of music. Many of his influential friends gave thousands of their colle tons to the cause. In the begging he taught my son the violin, I'll did not respect the fiddle, but my son went on to Play the drums. Miss you Bill.

Chris Anton

September 11, 2011

Bill Jacoby taught me to play flute in Paradise. He also gave me my start in getting out of the diet of straight classical music my mother had me on. I wish I could have studied further with him, but alas he moved from Paradise.

J'anna, I remember you too! Someplace I even have that fiddling LP released when you were still a child ;) Glad to see music is such a part of your life.

Michael Ziesing

September 23, 2010

Mr. Jacoby was my English teacher at Paradise High School in the early 1960s. He gave his time and support freely. He taught me that it was OK to think differently and to think for myself...
The connection to music was to wait another generation and be more cosmic than concrete, for my son never had Mr. Jacoby for a music teacher. He touched his life nevertheless.
Mr. Jacoby changed my life because he believed in me.
Mr. Jacoby touched the life of my son; a child born in Thailand who came with me to the Redding area when he was young. Living in the mountains looking over Redding, my son heard something. It was a violin. And I am convinced it was Mr. Jacoby playing.
Indeed "Death ends a life, not a relationship." Nor does it stop the music.
Mr. Jacoby, you were a part of my life briefly, but you touched my life eternally.

Mick Anderson

March 5, 2010

My dear friend and mentor, Bill...
We met when I was but a child - I had just graduated from 5th grade and had a student cello in my hands, and I was headed for the Summer Honor Music Camp held each year in June at Chico State College. We met, and the rest is a long history of friendship, mentorship, and (of course!) music. I was honored to have been your first chair cellist in the Paradise Youth Symphony Orchestra for many years through the end of my high school years. You brought me into the Paradise Symphonette, which became the Paradise Symphony Orchestra. You encouraged me to continue with music studies while in college at Chico State College. Yes, we lost contact for awhile when you went back east and I forged on in life. But life has a way of coming full circle... we reconnected here in the Rogue Valley of southern Oregon and rekindled that friendship once again. And again we played music! This time not just the cello, but the string bass, the electric bass, that beat-up old converted Mexican acoustic wooden bass guitar (my fingers are still sore from playing that thing!)... and singing! I shall always hold those memories close, the ones from my youth and the ones much more recent. Yes, you are gone for a short while, but I know we shall play again -- our time here on Earth is certainly short. May God hold your memory in His hands until the day when we all will play the most perfect music in His presence! Rest in His perfect Peace, my life-long friend, Mr. J, Bill Jacoby!!

Jeff Gabriele

January 8, 2010

Bill, We shared many laughs and you always brought smiles to everyone's face when you came into the room. You were a treasure. To those of you who knew you, you know what I'm talking about. I'm sure you've already put a band together and got some gig lined up in Heaven.
R.I.P. Bill

jayson jacoby

November 29, 2009

Dad,
We are at your one year mark of leaving this earth. I know you are there watching us and loving us. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance. We all said a prayer in your wonderful and indelible memory. Your as missed now as you were a year ago. Your are my hero and my model of the person I wish to be someday. Thank you for the 83 years you gave us. I know you will be in heaven waiting for me. Please save a seat in the Trumpet and Spoon section for your sonny boy. Love you Jay .

Jean Fleury (Crews)

August 9, 2009

Jayson & J'Anna,
Bill was a big part of our lives when my girls were growing up and my late husband, Jim, was his drummer. He had a big hand in inspiring my daughter, Jennifer, in her love for music and she continues to sing to this day. He was a very loving man to children and I truly have wonderful memories of him and your family at that time.
My sympathy to the Jacoby families in his loss.

Jane Fleury Hiler

August 7, 2009

Jayson and J'Anna:

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father.

I have such wonderful memories of playing the violin with your family as part of The Strolling Strings.

My father James Fleury played the drums with "Doc" as we all called him. It was such fun packing up the car with his drums and my violin and heading off to play gigs.

I have so many wonderful memories. Doc was a very inspiring man.

Jennifer Fleury

August 7, 2009

I just learned today of the loss of the beautiful and amazing Dr. Bill Jacoby, "Doc" as we called him. I first met him in the 5th grade when he was a music teacher at Happy Valley Elementary. He became friends with my dad who was a jazz drummer and my sister and I played in the Shasta Youth Symphony as well as his group, The Strolling Strings. He taught me to play the flute as well as the violin. There are simply no words to describe how much this man means to me and how much he affected my life. I will never forget all the great times we had playing together and all the fun we had at his summer music camp. I know that wherever you are Doc, it is a much happier place now that it is filled with the sounds of your music...your soul essence! I love you Doc and I miss you...thank you for your musical inspiration!

Wendy Johnson Wedl

January 22, 2009

I had the honor of receiving violin lessons from Dr. Jacoby in the late '70's and early '80's, while living in Happy Valley (to the southwest of Redding). I was honored to play in the Shasta Youth Symphony, play with the "Stolling Strings" a few times, and attended music camp.

Even though times were very financially strained for my family, my parents managed to pay for violin lessons. After reading the other entries, I know most of you will understand when I say, unequivocally, that Dr. Jacoby changed my life. Through his teachings, I learned about patience (from his example!!!), persistance, professionalism, and the absolute beauty of music. I learned that second string is just as important as first string, that being part of a "team" means you think of others before yourself, and that we all can be better with practice. I am forever grateful to my parents for those lessons.

My amazing husband, Andrew, bought me a violin two years ago for Christmas after hearing me say I wished I was still playing violin. That precious violin may not sound as good as the amazing one Dr. Jacoby helped my parents buy years ago, but the first song a played, after 20+ plus years, was....."Spanish Eyes." I have not played it regularly, as I haven't found a teacher like Dr. Jacoby (or so I tell myself). But when I do pick it up, Dr. Jacoby is right there with me, reminding me of proper posture and bow position, and stressing that I need to "feel" what I want to play. My oldest daughter, a teenager in the truest sense of the word, has asked to take lessons. Having remembered the impact on my life that Dr. Jacoby, and music, had on my life, there is no way I am going to deny her that opportunity. I simply hope I can find someone that is even half of the teacher/muscician that Dr. Jacoby was.

My friends and co-workers do not believe me when I tell them that I used to be a shy girl. Without doubt, I know that the time I spent with Dr. Jacoby performing gave me the skills to "perform", to stand up and "do what I need to do" even if I am scared, tired, angry, or upset. Dr. Jacoby and Adrienne even had me "skat" at camp......I can still see the incredulous look on my parents face! I also remember the feeling I had, that I could accept a challenge and meet it despite my fears of failing, despite my worry that others would laugh at me. That was an invaluable "life lesson". I know that Dr. Jacoby continues to "live" for all of those whose lives he touched.

jayson jacoby

January 15, 2009

Thank you for your warm thoughts,
Yes dad would have been 84 this coming 25th of January. My family and I will be celebrating his memory at the New Sanao Hotel in Yokosuka Japan. It will commemorate his love for taking us out to the many brunches he used to take us to. For example the Red Lion in Redding or the Jacksonville inn, Or the Holiday inn in Redding as I remember had a real decent spread. It was one of dads favorite things to do. He would always give Mom Jelly’s and James to put in her purse for the motor home. Half the time she would forget about it and find out the hard way a couple weeks later when digging for change. I remember one time that dad went out to the car and brought back his violin and started playing. The crowd loved him and people started dancing . It was so miraculous . The Manager covered our expenses for the brunch not the mention the tips that were collected. There is so many things to remember and it seems like the more I talk about it the more the memories come flooding back to me. My boys are an extension of my dad and my father lives inside them even though they may not know it. They are an example of the wonderful man my pop was and still is .He loved his grandchildren and still does. It makes me love those boy more because of what dad represents. God has given me blessing after blessing. The fact is I am the one who should appreciate more of the gifts my earthly father gave me so freely. It is my opinion that it is as close as it gets to Gods own divinity. Where ever you are in this world if you get the chance join me in celebrating his memory on the 25th of this mouth with a moment of silence or a toast. I know he is watching and listening. His love and sprit still lives on forever. God bless you all.

Sincerely and warmly,
Jayson Jacoby and Family

Suzanne Roberson

January 15, 2009

Dear J'Anna, Elizabeth, and Sheila, and Family,

Too few people come into our lives that really have a way of touching our soul, who leave us with the fondest warm feelings and memories and well up our eyes with tears in a instant when they go. Bill was truly a very special caring and loving person. It was an honor and blessing to have known him. Long after we moved from Medford, he continued to bless us with gifts and letters. We could never send him a gift without him reciprocating above and beyond. That was one asset of his beautiful caring spirit. January 25th will always be a day to honor this very exquisite man. He will truly be missed by all whose life he touched. Our hearts go out to you during this time of sorrow. May God give you great peace and lift you up.

Love and blessings,
Suzanne, Cliff, and Lake

David Solomon

January 9, 2009

After receiving the notice in the mail this evening that was sent to Leslie Davis, I felt I needed to respond. First off, warm sympathies on the loss of your great family member. Those of us who have experienced this also know they are always with us, and the great memories can never be taken away by anyone. I am using this venue to inform you that Leslie "Dave" Davis had also passed away, 29 June 2008, just a week before his birthday. We all thought he would make it to 100, like his mother did. The last birthday party in San Deigo at the country club was always a nice topic of conversation often brought up and how she attended assisted by only a cane, all dressed up in her finery and mink coat, she enjoyed a fabulous evening. I'm sure all of you can also pick out a favorite memory of Bill that you will discuss often. Apparently you weren't aware, thus the reason for my post. Mary Louise Hill has gone into an assisted living about a year ago, as she has been legally blind. Dealing with some other complications of people of the age, she is doing well and getting around fairly well. I wish all of you many long and happy years, just as these people have been able to do. My best to you all.
David.

tom tanzi <><>

January 9, 2009

Hello J'Anna, also (Elizabeth and Sheila & Family)

Yer dad was nice to me and in many ways gave me a glimpse into a world I would have not seen, that of professional musicians..., just people. And he knew me as that, when he got me to move to the coast of Oregon some 10 years ago. He wanted to live here. I stayed and he visited, as did you. Some of us enjoyed the two of you sharing your talents with us in the little music store.

This sadness is a rejoicing to a Jehovah's Witness whose life is also on the level of "professional"..., I know truth (because it's 'the Book', not my thoughts) and the hope is to be in a new situation soon where "Bill" Jacoby also is promised resurection by the One who allowed this gift the first time. No doubt there's more here than meets the eye..., or ear.

Being an amateur musician and artist allowed me to share some thoughts and moments in both fields and his influence actually can be seen here in Brookings!

Nice guy, Bill Jacoby and 'tho our "disciplines are momentary and light..., they work out for us something better" reall kewwwwl...., ehh?
I'll drop by the Medford house soon and say, "Hi" to Elizabeth and Sheila.
Hope to see ya some time..., if not, there's YouTube; a function given to us by "standing on the shoulders of giants" like your dad's persistence in his field. Bless those who came before and did cultural things.
Peace,

Tom Tanzi

PS I got to mess around in the cabana full of memories and sheet music..., what a trip!

If there's a knocking on the door, please listen for more than a day. We're messengers about how He says we get art/music and more forever!
Rev 21:4 And

Kevin Cotter

January 1, 2009

J'Anna kindly responded to an email I recently sent her and suggested I post it here. It has been so long ago that I even forgot that Jayson's name had a "Y" in it (sorry Jay!). I also failed to mention the beautiful Adrienne and how supporting and accepting she was of all us. Love and thanks to all the Jacoby family far and wide.

To J'Anna and Jason from Ohio:

Hi J'Anna,

Let me take you back for just a moment to Redding a long time ago and see if you can recall a tall skinny kid with glasses that was one of the misfits your father took in regularly (somewhere say around 1981). The fact that I knew enough chords and would show-up when needed was all that Bill needed to put me to work as one of his regular guitar players. And lord we were a motley crew! I look back now and know he saw a need in me for family and some stability more than any genius in my musicianship. Those 3-4 years that I was around you guys were the happiest of my growing up and I called him up about 5 years ago and told him so ( I am so glad I did). The fact that a musician of his caliber also took an interest in my music is something that has given me confidence in myself that I have taken on to all areas of my life. Bill devoted his life to spreading the healing and growing power of music (he may not of thought of that way though) and I am proud to say that I am a very small part of his huge legacy. I played "Proud Mary" at the top of my lungs the other night (scared the hell out of my wife) as a tribute---i hope he heard it and if he did I am sure he got a kick out of it! My son Matthew is 23 now and quite an accomplished guitar player---another life touched if only indirectly---not to mention the millions who now see you play regularly.

I am so happy to hear of your and Jason's success---Bill was so proud of both of you when we spoke. I have never met a more sincere or sweeter soul in my entire life than Jason when he was a young man and I hope God's blessing's rain down on the both of you.

Bill just didn't stop at inspiring me musically J'Anna--- he fed me when I was hungry. I never miss a chance to buy someone a meal--- grace received is not yours to keep, Pass it on.

I will thank you as I did him for the time I got to spend as a musician and friend with you all--- And to let you know I know the world is better place because of the time Bill spent on it.

Sincerely,

Kevin Cotter
Fairborn, Ohio

adrienne jacoby

December 12, 2008

I know i posted these comments in the journal section, but wanted to say these things to those of you who might not find your way to the journal.

In my remarks today (at the service) and in response to remarks from Sherrie Neal Eby that Bill expected and received the very best from those around him, I said: "Bill did not understand nor compute nor recognize our "I can't" or "I don't know how" or "I've never done that before." He simply believed that we would do whatever it was he expected, (in my case it was to type and play bass, give piano lessons and be a mother) . . . and we did it! My friend, Roger Emerson, wrote to me that Bill was larger than life. In looking at lives he impacted, either directly or through students of his who have gone on to teach, he touched and continues to touch many, many lives far beyond his physical presence.
Adrienne jacoby (wife #3, mother of Janna and Jayson)

Walt Dodge

December 12, 2008

Bill taught me music throughout most of my youth. I also knew him as a boss and a friend when I worked for him at Temple City Music. His wisdom has always had a great influence on me and I've kept a special place in my heart for his encouragement, helpful nature, and ability to keep me real and on track.

Heaven must have needed a conductor and teacher. He has paved the way for so many.

I can't miss him, because he is always with me.

Mark Petteys

December 11, 2008

Back when I was a teenager, Bill was my friend and father as we traveled playing music. He called me a "caged lion" and gave me a daily allowance in Reno. Those of you who know me know how long the money lasted in my hands, but he kept it rolling. Those days, he taught me about music and poetry. He was on my wave-length, me a 16 year old kid and he much older. It was fun joining the Jacoby family. Later, I lost track, but we reconnected a few years ago. He gave my son Guthrie some memorable piano lessons, and I had the opportunity to play with him and his orchestra New Year's Eve 2005. Phyllis, Guthrie and I will miss him dearly. Love to J'Anna, Jayson, Adrienne, Liz, and Sheila.

Thom Fober

December 11, 2008

Bill as a musician's musician and through his teaching influenced many other musicians and students. As long as we his students are playing music and teaching others to play, Bill is still amongst us through his influence and dedication.
Thom Fober, Bass Player

Megan Lynch

December 9, 2008

I play music for a living. I teach music for a living. My life is full of love, students, music, performances, travel, and unbelievable experiences. I have all this because Dr. Bill Jacoby saw something in me and put his heart and soul into making sure I got a good start. He encouraged me to enter my first fiddle contest, the first of dozens, which brought me great joy and fulfillment, and he made sure I kept my bow straight. He kept in touch over the years and always told me how proud he was. He and Adrienne brought J'anna (one of my dearest friends and a true sister) and Jayson (a fine man who has been a source of love and laughter over the years) into the world and they both brought me to a better place in the world. I am not just better for having known him, I simply AM, for having known him.
Much love, Megan B. Lynch

Jayson jacoby

December 8, 2008

“It is sometimes hard to encapsulate the legacy of my father in just a few phrases. He was a strict taskmaster and passionate musician / human being. He was loved by all that he came in contact with. I am fortunate enough to call him Dad. During my years of rebellion and awkward teenage times I often found him a source of resentment. I did have heated confrontations with him only to realize that I was trying to conform the wrong person. I realize that all my battles were being fought internally and I was using the excuse to lash out and blame him for all my short comings and not myself like I should of done. Now that I have two beautiful sons and a patron saint for a wife. I realize the love of a father is a major factor in the development of every facet of any child’s development as a human being and as a productive member of society. I cherish the fact that I can experience the whole grieving process. I thank everyone from the deepest part of my heart that attended the funeral service on Friday December 5th the eulogy’s were beautiful and eloquent. I felt everyone’s warmth and compassion. Each and everyone of you are considered family to me because we share the common bond of knowing my father. Thank you one and all, may your holiday season be filled with joy and love “

Sincerely,

Jayson, Rikako, Jesse and Kenneth Jacoby

Sandy Mauck

December 8, 2008

What a wonderful site!! Thank you J'Anna for hosting this. The photos were fascinating and told the story of his life so well. I did not meet your Father, but feel I know him and your family even more now. Thoughts and love to you all.
Sandy Mauck

Alwyn Wright

December 6, 2008

As a close friend of J'Anna's, I feel like I knew her father, even though I never met him. My thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.

Bob and Claudia Perry

December 6, 2008

Thinking of you and know that
God will comfort you at this time. I can see Bill jamming in heaven. My family is blest by the musical training in the late 70's, thanks. Bob and Claudia Perry

Terrie Snow

December 5, 2008

I went to a fiddle contest in 1982 and decided then that I wanted to learn to play too. I could not get anyone to call me back for lessons. I called Bill and said "I want to play the fiddle and no one will teach me. I think it's because I'm too old." He said come over now. Bill rented me a fiddle in and taught me Twinkle, Twinkle before he left for music camp. Later, I was honored to be camp nurse. I have fond memories of those musical times and people I met through Bill and his family. You have all made a difference in my life.

Gisele Lamarre

December 4, 2008

What a remarkable man. He gave so many of us the gift of learning and loving music, although we never practiced quite enough! It was so much fun to be invited to his music camps and included in his performances. I was honored to be part of his Strolling Strings, playing weddings, parties, and New Year's Eve along the I-5 corridor. We felt so glamorous and grown-up, on the road like real, professional musicians. I still vividly remember the songs, and even have "Spanish Eyes" playing in my head right now! I think I will pick up my dusty violin and play a few of those songs for my kids tomorrow afternoon. He was one of those rare people in my life I will always remember with great affection.

Adam Andrews

December 4, 2008

I was 10 in 1977 and my parents thought it would be a good idea for me to take music lessons - specifically violin. I'm not sure how good that idea was, as I wasn't very good and not patient enough then to become good at it - wanted to be out running around with my friends. I stuck with it for a year or two but never really got the knack. The love of music stuck with me however, and a few years later picked up a guitar and have been playing ever since. I know Dr. Jacoby was responsible in a big way for this. I never forgot him. I looked him up two years ago and exchanged several e-mails back and forth with him, just catching up, etc. I'm sure he didn't remember a scrawny kid from 30 years ago but he sent me long letters and jokes as if we were old friends - I'm glad I had the chance to reconnect with him. Bill: you were a class act my friend, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.

Mary Trevor

December 4, 2008

Dear J'Anna and Jayson,
Meeting your dad in 1983 started our family on a musical journey that continues today. He was a real "Music Man", he was able to make things happen. As a family we enjoyed the camps he put on as well as his encouragement and friendship.
He will be truly missed.
Sincerely,
The Trevor Family
Mary, Everett, Cary, And Will

Sue (Land) Nilsson

December 3, 2008

I had the privilege of meeting Bill and his family in Bloomington, IL. He had the ability to make a person do their very best. I was a singer and he encouraged me to join him and his wife, Adrian to sing a few songs while they were performing at the Illinois House. My children were 7 & 6 and called him Mr. Cacoby. I met him later when visiting Weaverville at his music store in Redding. I know his presence will be missed. I believe he's having a blast performing and singing in heaven.

Scott Southard

December 3, 2008

Sorry to hear of his passing. One of the last of his kind. He was a crazy and talented cat. Gave me my first paying gigs and sold me the gear to play 'em with. God Bless Dr. Jacoby and his pixie slippers. Just imagine the jam session he's in now...

Pat DeWald

December 3, 2008

Dr. "J" was a larger-than-life memorable character who gave so much of his time and energy to the children of the Redding community, inspiring a love of music and providing opportunities to express themselves through music in so many unique ways. My family will always remember him fondly.

Colleen (Long) Heffner

December 3, 2008

Jana and Family,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your dad.
I am sure you don't remember me but I played violin at Sequoia Middle School and Bill was my teacher.
He was such a wonderful man and teacher. The music world will not be the same without him.

Valerie Davis

December 3, 2008

I knew Bill Jacoby for many years when I lived in Redding. I play the violin, and seemed to always find myself in his store. He has been a great inspiration to me in my life; I will miss him.

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