John Haskins Jacobs

John Haskins Jacobs, 39, left this earthly realm in Jacksonville, Florida and entered God’s kingdom on September 25, 2024. John was born in Margate, Florida on March 1, 1985 to Robert Jacobs and Julia Thornbrough. He leaves behind his mother, Julia Thornbrough (Tampa); father, Robert Jacobs (Jacksonville); stepmother, Cynthia Stumetz Jacobs (Jacksonville); sister, Dana Clark (Tampa); brother-in-law, Danny Clark (Tampa); nieces, Georgia and Elsie Clark (Tampa); 17 living aunts and uncles; and 27 cousins.

John graduated from Carrollwood Day School and attended Tampa Catholic High School for 2 years. While a freshman at Tampa Catholic, John starred as goal keeper when the soccer team reached the state finals and finished 2nd in the state. He graduated from Plant High School, playing on the soccer team there. He was a proud 2009 graduate of the University of Florida and rooted for the Gators in all athletic endeavors. While attending Florida, he was fortunate to cheer on both the football and basketball national champions. He had recently completed his course work for a masters in real estate at Georgetown University and was working on his masters’ thesis. At the time of his death, he was employed in residential apartment management in St. Johns County. His skills in communication and sales earned him a company-wide award as its top leasing agent in 2022.

John was an intelligent man and very well read. He loved Charles Dickens, having read virtually all his books. He was an amateur linguist, with an extensive knowledge of words and their origins. He loved history, especially Roman history, a topic of interest that he shared with his father. He was above all a spiritual man, having read many biographies of the saints as well as religious texts. He prayed often to God, seeking His guidance in life’s challenges. He approached life with joy and energy and was well loved by his family as well as his many friends.

John was an accomplished athlete, having run a marathon and half marathon. He practiced yoga extensively. He was a devoted uncle and loved playing with his nieces. John’s sense of humor brought joy to all who knew him and his booming laugh will be fondly remembered. His many inside jokes will be retold by his family for years to come. He was playful and lovingly created nicknames for his family members. In recent years, John became interested in cooking and loved sharing his culinary creations with his family.

A powerful concept to which John attributed his successes in life was the Compound Effect, which he shared with his mom. That was about making a commitment to be consistent. He saw this with his exercise regimen, eating right, and learning anything new.

If ever you met John, it would be a meeting you would never forget – be it the levity he would bring to any situation or his genuine interest in you. John will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate his will be life held in the future. Contributions to his memory may be made to his favorite charities, Make-A-Wish and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.