Douglas Jacobs

Douglas Albert Jacobs Sept. 30, 1940 - Nov. 18, 2011 They called him "Mr. Detroit." Born and raised in San Francisco, a graduate of Lowell High School, musically inclined and able to play most any instrument, he settled on the banjo at age 16. At that time he used to sneak into the Red Garter saloon on Broadway in San Francisco to listen to their banjo music. Within two years, "Dougie and His All Star Banjo Band" was playing at the Red Garter. After spending a few years with Penn Mutual selling insurance, he opened The Crazy Horse on Market Street in San Francisco, never fully leaving the Red Garter. In 1968, Douglas moved to Detroit, Michigan. to open a Red Garter Saloon which featured a Dixieland style combo with Doug leading the audience in tunes like "Ain't She Sweet," "Side by Side," If You Knew Susie," and "Bill Bailey." Over time his popularity put him in demand to play at major sporting events, as well as virtually every society club and major venue in Detroit. The Red Garter Band appeared frequently on local TV, and in 1971, he began a 24 year run as the house band leader for the Detroit segment of the annual Jerry Lewis telethon. "Mr. Detroit" played for President Reagan, for Michigan governors, politicians and at public and private events. When he became the house band leader for the Jerry Lewis telethon in Michigan, he not only donated his services, he paid the rest of his band himself, believing strongly in the cause. His generosity did not stop there. He donated much time bringing music to children's hospital wards, and senior citizen and nursing homes, as well as the events that raised funds for same. He brought smiles, light and life wherever he played, making people happy and bringing joy to their lives. What a cruel twist of fate, a cruel irony when he did so much for Jerry's kids and others, that he, too, should be taken by the neurological disease, ALS. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Shepanek Jacobs, her children, Amy (Roger) Chandler, Elizabeth (Joseph) Goncalves, Matt Shepanek, Sue's five beautiful grandchildren, his sister Gail (Bernard) Nebenzahl, and his nieces Leanne Nebenzahl (Bradford Gulko), Deborah Nebenzahl, and nephew, David (Stephanie) Nebenzahl. Douglas gave us music, love, laughter and fun! He lived life his way, a life well played! A graveside burial service will be held January 22, 2012, 11:00 A.M. Home of Peace Cemetery, 1299 El Camino Real, Colma, CA. 94014. A memorial service will be held at a future time in Detroit, Michigan. Donations may be given to the following ALS organizations or to the charity of your choice: ALS of Michigan, 24350 Northwestern Way, Suite 100, Southfield, MI. 48075 ALS of Florida, 3242 Parkside Center Circle, Tampa, Fl. 33619-0907 ALSTDI (ALS Therapy Development Institute) 215 First Street Cambridge, MA. 02142