Harry Jacobs

Harry Jacobs died on Monday, April 24, 2023. He was 81 years old. He had a long and treasured life.

Harry Jacobs had many titles. He was a teacher, a brother, a coach, sometimes referred to as a legend. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and even a great-grandfather.

But once he had been a boy growing up on a farm in Wildwood, Florida with two beloved parents, Edward “Jake” and Elizabeth Jacobs. He had four siblings; Estelle, Edward Jr., Catherine, and Sue; all of whom he loved deeply.

Harry Jacobs became a young man with dreams. He was an athlete in high school and college and through that he found his life long passion of being a coach. Most of you know Harry as Coach Jacobs. Some of you from Howard Academy, or Jefferson County High School, and finally from FAMU-DRS when he retired (several times).

Where would you find him? Very rarely inside his office or a classroom. Harry had to be outside on a football field or a track. He could be driving a bus loaded with tired athletes, going down rough dirt roads to get them home. He could be in old cars, spray painted gray, going to homes visiting endless children, promising parents he would take care of them. You could find him driving dark streets in Tallahassee at midnight taking children home from meets and games. Stopping off at fast food restaurants, gas stations, and convenient stores to make sure kids weren’t hungry before getting home. You would find him at B+B Sporting Goods, picking up endless uniforms, shoes, and athletic supplies.

If you ever ran into Harry Jacobs, you knew you had met a man on a mission. A mission to get kids to college after high school. Most of you would be the first in your family to go to college. All of you knew he made you feel like a champion. He was your teacher, your coach, your friend. He had a smile and a comment for everyone. Now he lives on in your hearts. We were all better because we knew Coach Jacobs.

Harry Jacobs was a husband to Gloria and then to Sandra. He was loving and kind, generous and patient, tenacious and a little stubborn. Four wonderful people knew him as Dad. Tawanda (Joe) Durant, Michael Williams, Taylor (Christine) Jacobs, and Evan Jacobs. Tawanda knew him as her “matchmaker”, Taylor knew him as an athlete and the person to call late at night when you just needed someone to talk to, a best friend . Evan knew him simply as “Pop” or “Harry”.

Harry Jacobs had many grandchildren, some known and some unknown, but Keaton Hill and Kenderick Durant were in his life for many years. Gracie Jacobs (Mother, Ashia Everett) was his frequent summertime companion. Taryn Elizabeth, his little angel. Taylor Jr. and Trevor Jacobs were his little buddies and future athletes. They all learn to drive on golf carts with “Pop” but they received so much more. He honored them with love and devotion; a keepsake forever.

Harry Jacobs had a lifetime of success, both professionally and personally. He was our constant support throughout his life, and now he is gone. We all will cherish the countless memories throughout our lifetimes. When you remember Harry, honor him by giving a child love and support. Maybe a late night snack, and a midnight ride. He will be right there with you.

God bless you all.

A visitation for Harry will be held Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32312. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Jefferson County Auditorium, 579 S Waters Street, Monticello, FL 32344. Following the service there will be a reception.

A private interment will occur at MeadowWood Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWoodFuneral.com for the Jacobs family.