Herman Jacobs

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and friend, H. D. "Jake" Jacobs, on July 14th, 2024.

Born September 12, 1931 in Wabash Indiana, Jake was one of seven children. He married his High School sweetheart, Marjorie, and brought his young family to Pinetop in 1954. He subsequently married Sue Penrod in 1976, and after her passing in 2016, he spent the last several years with his companion, Kathryn Melcher.

Jake began his career as a math teacher and coach at McNary High School where he taught for 25 years. He was passionate about the well-being of his students, many of whom continued to reach out to him throughout his life. He spent his next 25 years as the owner of Molly Butler's Lodge in Greer developing lasting friendships throughout the community.

He loved being outside in the White Mountains hunting, fishing, camping and looking for mushrooms. Golf was another of his passions. He was a pioneer member at White Mountain Country Club when membership dues were $5.00! He spent his last decade with the goal of shooting under his age which he accomplished regularly. Jake also loved games of all kinds - cards, horseshoes, cornhole and charades to name a few.

Above all, Jake will be remembered for his real passion for people. He collected friendships like some people collect rocks. He had that rare capacity to truly care who you were, and wanted to touch your soul. As one friend said, "When Jake talked to you, he made you feel like you were the only person in the room." He was genuinely interested in who you were and what you had to say. His friendships had no boundaries, he loved people regardless of their socioeconomic status, their color, their wealth, or lack of, or any other characteristic, as long as you were a sincere and good person.

Jake is survived by his adored and adoring children Joy Bancroft and her husband Hugh, David Jacobs and his wife Maxine, Elizabeth Jacobs and her former spouse Larry Herring, Rob Overacker and his wife Julie, Sidney Overacker-Penrod, 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 2 pm to 5 pm at 4643 Buck Springs Rd, Pinetop, Az 85935.