Jeffrey Gus Jacobs

Jeffrey Gus Jacobs

1946 - 2025

Jeffrey Gus Jacobs, (also known as "Skip" and "Jake"), age 79, a devoted and loving husband, father and Papa, passed away on November 1, 2025. He entered Heaven's gate singing "Praise the Lord." Jake was born on October 12, 1946, to Gustavus ("Bud") Jacobs and Elizabeth ("Liz") Sheets in Toledo, Ohio. He was the second of six children and a graduate of Rogers High School, Class of 1964. He also attended the University of Toledo (CT), Class of 1968.

Most of Jake's life was surrounded by some type of ball. In high school he played four sports, earning a Varsity letter in football (both ways) and baseball (a mean heater). Later he played three years of federation league hockey and participated in many softball leagues. As a young man his golf handicap was a 13, but as the years rolled by that number was reversed to 31.

He survived death as a high school official in basketball (12 years), football (19 years) and baseball (26 years). The last 7 years of umpiring baseball were for the Bedford 3B baseball league. He was a member of the OHSAA, MHSAA, WLJFL, Toledo Recreation and Western Lake Erie Model "A" restorers. Jake was a driver/salesman for Great Lakes Distributors (Pabst/Coors) for 17 years, and a bulk unloader for General Mills/Smuckers for 22 years.

Jake served and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, attached to the 101st Airborne division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and served in the 983rd engineering battalion (reserves). He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Anderson, "the brains of the outfit" on April 27, 1968. Together they raised three remarkable sons.

Jake was a man who lived well, laughed often and loved much. He has enjoyed the company of thoughtful women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children, who tried to find the best in everyone.

His role as father and Papa included "Family Court", pulling his boys skiffing on snowy days, basement basketball, sand castles at Ocean City, Maryland, the 9 year hand me down paper route, Yogi Bear Family Reunions, attending and coaching a gazillion of their sons' sporting events, "favorite part of the day", little guys basketball games at Holy Cross Lutheran, Boo Boo Kitty and the Jacobs Family Prayer….and many more.

Fond memories include traveling out west with his best friends, Tom and Darlene Luettke, and Arlan and Kristal Tussing, Alaska and Ireland, a good cigar and cup of coffee at Casa de Havana, where many world problems were solved with not one argument ever! He enjoyed YMCA swim days, Cape Coral "Boathouse" in February, along with a good book in a quiet place. Jake also cherished a great movie with Nana, often referring to her as the best choice he had ever made.

Jake was a council member at Our Savior Lutheran Church. He loved Emmanuel Baptist Church, his soul care group, and the music and sermons of Austin and Duke Crawford.

When it came to family matters, his favorite sayings were, "Do the right thing" and "Don't sweat the small stuff." Jake always started his morning prayer with Psalm 118:24, "This is the day that the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it," and closed with Timothy 4:7-8, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course. I have kept the faith."

Jake was preceded in death by his sister, Jeri Madsen; and his brother-in-law, Randy Havel. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Jacobs; sons, Andy (Megan) of Hilliard, Ohio; Ahren (Natalie) of Sylvania, Ohio; and Casey (Michelle) of Sylvania, Ohio; grandchildren, Imala ("Mae Mae"), Kiera ("K-K"), Jackson ("Action Jackson"), Gavin ("G-Man"), Jonah (Emily) of Toledo, Ohio, Eva Mae, Micah, Joshua ("Joshie"); sisters, Jennifer (Jack) Bolton, Constantine, Michigan; Jo-Etta Havel, Monticello, Minnesota; Jill (Keith) Johannsen, Coon Rapids, Minnesota; brother, Jim (Toni) of Perrysburg, Ohio; and sister-in law, Joetta Owens of Temperance, Michigan.

A visitation will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 4207 W. Laskey Road, Toledo, Ohio, on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., with a memorial service at the same location, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Paul Matthiesen officiating. A private burial will occur prior to the memorial service.

The family requests that instead of flowers, donations be sent to Shepards College in Union Grove, Wisconsin; Lutheran Home of Mercy in Williston, Ohio; or Emmanuel Christian School Athletic Department, in honor of Jake. However, if you plan to send flowers, they may be delivered to the church on Friday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com