August (Jake) Jacobs passed away on November 20th, 2025, at the age of eighty-eight. He leaves behind his two children Dr. Christine (Donald) Buehler of Peoria, Illinois, and David (Rita) Jacobs of Morton Illinois, his two granddaughters Emily (Sergio) Rivera of Morton, Anna (Kevin) Noel of Woodstock Georgia, and his great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his wife Verna (Blaesing) Jacobs and his sister Joan (Rich) Perkins.

Jake was born on September 11, 1937, to Clarence and Eleanor (Settles) Jacobs in Quincy, Illinois. Jake lived with his father and younger sister after his mother died when he was ten. His grandfather and namesake founded the August Jacobs Jewelry Store in Quincy in the late 1800’s. Jake graduated from Quincy Notre Dame and attended Michigan State University where he studied horticulture. Professionally, he was a skilled Tool and Die Machinist working for Electric Wheel, which became Firestone Tire and later Titan Steel. He later worked at Hucks Manufacturing and then Kuester Tool and Die. He served in the National Guard.

Jake and Verna married June 11th, 1960, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, and then resided at the Blaesing family farm east of Quincy with her parents Albert and Nettie Blaesing (Antoinette Eising). He loved his in-laws deeply. From them he learned the value of work, family, and devotion. On the farm, he tended livestock, engineered irrigation for the garden, maintained fence lines, and curated an envious woodpile. With Verna he volunteered his time at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, was a Eucharistic Minister and attended Cursillo. He supported his wife enthusiastically in all her decisions, interests, and volunteer projects.

Jake worked vigorously, played joyfully, and napped often. He loved to lindy with his best girl in a custom tuxedo and polished wingtips. His second love was trains and boats. He was always busy studying the weather, listening to the radio (sometimes more than one) and peddling eggs. He had tractors, tools, and toys of all sorts. He made us laugh while he played the clarinet badly, sang off tune and listened to Yakity Sax and country music. He was always ready, depending on the weather, for a dip in the pond, a skate on the ice, or a trip to town for ice cream. On the farm, we labored with him not for him, learning life-long skills and a sense of responsibility. Life with dad was uncomplicated, balanced and fun.

Jake was kind, honest, mostly patient, tender-hearted, enthusiastic, energetic, loyal, situationally anxious, and capable of unconditional love. Until his dying day, his bright blue eyes and big smile could change your mood in a heartbeat. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel at ease. He lent his skills and tools for school projects, and home renovations for his children. He vacationed with grandchildren to beaches, mountains, and Disney World many times and was the most joyous traveler on each trip. His unexpectedly piercing insights and heartfelt advice showed us the path. He was the quiet peacemaker and a true gentleman.

We will celebrate his funeral mass at St Francis Catholic Church in Quincy, Illinois on December 5, 2025, at 10:30 AM with a church visitation one hour prior. The graveside service for his family will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Please direct donations to St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church, 1721 College Ave. Quincy, Illinois 62301 or Lutheran Hillside Village, 6901 North Galena Rd, Peoria, Illinois 61614. Additional information is available at www.DukerandHaugh.com.