Justin Jacobs Jr.

1933 - 2016

Justin Manning Jacobs, Jr.

August 28, 1933 – August 7, 2016

Justin Manning Jacobs, Jr., a beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, companion, and friend, lost his valiant battle with cancer on August 7, 2016. He was 82 years old. He passed peacefully at home with loved ones by his side. Justin was born August 28, 1933, in San Francisco to Justin Manning Jacobs and Nita Mae Jacobs. He graduated from Stanford University and served in the U.S. Army. He later graduated from the Boalt Hall School of Law at UC Berkeley. He practiced law in San Francisco for a time but was drawn by his father, Justin, Sr., into the world of commercial real estate development in what would eventually become Silicon Valley. It was in this realm that Justin found his niche and transcended his parents' dreams.
Justin was an accomplished attorney and real estate developer; he took over the helm of the family real estate business in the 1970s, and for 40 years, fearlessly navigated through the boom-bust cycles of the Silicon Valley market. Justin was a Renaissance man. He was an inventor who spent countless hours on mass transportation concepts and solar vehicles. He created a revolutionary elevator system, for which he held several patents. Justin loved to demonstrate his inventions and, with a twinkle in his eye, confound his audience. He was a scientist, cosmologist, and intrepid challenger to Albert Einstein's theory of relativity as well as the Big Bang theory—a twenty-year passion. Justin studied the planet at the cosmic, global, and personal levels. Justin was an avid auction attendee and procurer of antiques, which he generously and enthusiastically showered upon his family and friends. He was a keen student of history and had an acute interest in international and domestic affairs. Justin had a sharp wit and a commanding presence. He enjoyed a spirited debate. He was an extraordinary writer of legal and logical arguments; Justin once wrote his own Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals brief, and won his appeal in pro per. Brilliant and eccentric, he delighted those he held dear.
Justin loved his family fiercely. He guided his children with love, curiosity, and an eye toward adventure. Justin was a dreamer. He lived larger than life. He was larger than life. For many years, Justin loved spending time at Château de la Motte in Château-Renard, France, flying in his hot-air balloon while generously hosting family, friends, and even strangers. With laser-focused determination, he taught his children to work hard and "hit thumbtacks with sledgehammers," as his father Justin, Sr., had taught him so many years before. He was thoughtful and meticulous, and yet, he had an unbridled spirit for adventure. He took great risks and reaped great rewards throughout his many business dealings, travels, passions, and creative interests.
One week before he died, following bad news from his doctor, he smiled and told his children, "Stop crying, it will be fine. Go out to dinner on me." He leaves behind, with saddened hearts: son Justin Jacobs and Kimball Harris; son Scott Jacobs and Jing Jacobs; son Garrett Jacobs; daughter Kathryn Jacobs and Cliff Newell; grandsons Trevor Kull, Dustin Kull, Jaxon Jacobs, Justin Jacobs, and Jazper Jacobs; granddaughter Skyler May Jacobs; sister Nancy Macy; and loving companion Nancy Collins.
According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded."
You knocked it out of the park, Dad. We miss you dearly.