I am very saddened to hear that Mark Jacobson passed back in 2020.  When me and our family moved from Long Island, NY to Durham,NC we lived around the corner off Garrett Rd. And purchased a few cars (2 in one day) and always had our cars serviced there.  Our oldest car is a 2007 Toyota Yaris so my son could have a new and reliable car to drive to his new College UNCW.  THIS CAR IS Still running strong and my son gave it back to us because he graduated with high honors and now works for Deloite I. Charlotte.  I have always loved seeing and talking to Mark and watching his commercials.  My deepest condolences to this awesome man.  We now live in Pittsboro, NC

He was one of my best friends. I miss him 

My heart is saddened and goes out to Rochelle. When I was in a teenager I would go to his house with my mom Monique. He was always very kind to us. They had two big dogs at the time Bruiser and Sushi.  I remember he would laugh at. At a time when I was  going through high school he knew I wanted a nice car, he helped me get my dream car. I was always grateful for Mark and Rochelle’s kindness.  I always hope he knew how much that meant to me.  My condolences and prayers.

My heart is full for Rochelle and the MJ Toyota team. Mr. Jacobson was a bright light and generous person! Our community will greatly miss him but will always remember the impact he has left with his legacy.

I really did not know Mr. Jacobson personally,  but felt compelled to leave a comment. You will missed dearly by your family and the public (such as myself) that only knew you from the commercials on television. I was so sorry to learn of your passing, but know this;  GOD does not make mistakes. Rest in Peace sir. Your work here on earth is finally done. My sincere condolences to your family.

One of the funnest highlights of my life was buying a Highlander from Mark in 2012 and then getting to be in a Mark Jacobson tv add and to top it off, being able to hold one of those adorable Havanese! Our sincere condolences to Mark’s family

Rest in Peace. My dear friend for over 30 years.. One of a kind, a Real friend and and all around great guy. He will never be forgotten his memories, laugh, heart and smile will be with me forever.. God Bless..

My sincere sympathies to Shelly and the family.

I met Mark in 2002 and was fortunate to be able to help him on his journey seeking the best sound for his record collection.  Whenever we spent time together I came away in great spirits and feeling good about life.  Mark just had a way of brightening your day.

I will miss you my friend, rest in peace.

He is a amazing owner i bought my car and my sons car from him our very first vechiles, i would recommend them in a heartbeat and he will be dearly missed by me and my son and also my son had the honor of working for himi want to send my condolences to the family, again sincerely your faith and Michael

My family and i are deeply saddened by the news of Marks passing. He is forever in our hearts and personally i owe my career to him as he gave me my first job at Toyota  in 1980 Sail On Mark!!


Rochelle,  
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  I guess Mark and Doug are somewhere together yet again. ❤️

Cathy Peters



So sorry to lose such a wonderful man. He really knew how to run car business.
You will be missed by people that purchased vehicles from you.

Marc will be greatly missed. Our condolences go to Mrs Jacobson and the family. We just wanted to share a happy photo from Lisa’s birthday. 
Thinking of you
Martin and Lisa Hardy

Dear Rochelle and Family,
We both graduated from high school with Mark and were so happy to see him again at our 50-Year Reunion in 2014.  We are so sorry for your loss and send our heartfelt condolences to you.  Rochelle, we will be praying for you and the rest of Mark’s family.  As you can see in the attached photo, Mark had the same wonderful smile in high school.  Mark was such a bright and wonderful soul ... may he rest in peace.
Love, 
Rich and Peg Alpin
Oakton, VA
New Hyde Park Memorial HS, Class of 1964

Meet Mark many years ago while working for General Motors. He truly was a wonderful owner and just a everyday guy that would give you the shirt off his back regardless.  I know he’s listening to a Beatles song as I speak. RIP Mark. God Bless the entire family and all his employees. He will truly be missed. 

So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this dilfcult time. 

My condolences and prayers to the family of Mark! I was so sad to hear this today. I worked for Mark at Toyota of Durham for 2 years right before new building opened. He was one of a kind so funny and such heart! RIP Mark...you will be missed.

Mark and I met at a record show in the 1990's and it became a lifetime friendship. We traveled from Florida to Austin to NYC to build are collections together. You will be missed dearly..prayers..play a Beatles song for Mark

We had the honor and pleasure to do business and make a good friend in Mark. We traveled, dined, set records and laughed with he and “She’ll” more times than we can remember. He was a “darn good guy” and a beck of a “car man”. Rest In Peace, friend.
John & Arline McNally

Sadly we loose another great friend 
Going back to High School, Mark always had a smile and an easy way about him which made everyone around him feel comfortable
I’m so glad he was able to attend our 50 th HS Reunion, he had a wonderful time 
Our most sincere condolences to his family 
Sincerely 
Bob Steinroeder New Hyde
Park Memorial High School, Class of ‘64 Reunion Committee 

When I learned of MJ's death it was crushing. My 12 years spent with learning the sales game with him and experiences that I may have never had, will be apart of my life. What the dealership awarded me will forever be embedded. Mark always sought to find the best in you because I felt he wanted the best for you. R.I.P. Mark

My Condolences to the Family,
Darryle R. Banks


February 2000, I walked into a blind interview, this tall gentleman stuck out his hand and said Hi! I'm Mark. Little did we both know that this would lead to a great relationship for over over twenty years. I can't put into words the great relationship we had! It was better than boss/employee. I will never forget the many laughs, jokes and great trips! I am so happy to have been a friend of Mark S. Jacobson!
God Bless,
Frank W. Adams, Jr.
Toyota of Durham-Mark Jacobson Toyota

Prayers to the family. Such a loving person. Will miss his beautiful smile and personality.

I came aboard the Mark Jacobson team 2 years ago.  It was a great pleasure to work for such a great man.  He welcomed me and made me feel like a part of the family.  He would stop by my office many times to just to knock on the window and wave hello even when he was busy.  It was an honor to know him and work for him.   His presence will be missed greatly!  RIP MJ.  


My deepest sympathies to Shelly and the family.

Mark and I hadn’t seen each other in years yet I feel like I lost my best friend.

It was a pleasure working with Mark at Toyota of Hollywood many years ago , I have thought about him many times over the years. RIP Mark 

I started working for Mark in 2004 he has blessed me in so many ways.
Mark was an inspiration in my life and he 
 helped  me become who I am today. 
Mark was larger than life but he made you better person,  understanding people team work and zero mental boundaries .
We spoke November2018 and he said Jim would you like to come home and thats what it was HOME.
I never question him and left a great company to work with my mentor one more time, a few of my close friends asked me what was your compensation package and I looked at them and said we did not speak about money and went to work with him blind.
I have trusted the man for 16 years, how many people out there would fly blind unless your wingman was Mark.
I will miss him everyday.
I love you
Jim Malpede 


I can remember  the first time I  saw  MARK, at the dealership he had the two dogs in red wagon. he had Dillon and Elvis  . I thought how cute was that,  and we discussed what kind of dog I had. He told me that Elvis was upset and I  said what he upset about. he said he had a different groomer and he did not like him.  I know he will be greatly missed and his family are in my prayers.  God Bless all and be safe during this time of Covid with my deepest sympathy. 

Mark was a bigger than life personality. I was entertained by his many commercials. I am saddened to read of his passing. My condolences to his wife and the many people who worked for him. It is clear that this guy touched the lives of many people. May he rest in peace and may his memories live on along with the life lessons he taught others. 

First off I share his birthday 10/28.  I so wanted to meet him.   He seemed so alive and friendly on TV but never got the chance too.  So sorry for your loss.   In this world we need that bright sunshine he poured out every time  I saw him on TV.    

I worked for Mr. Jacobson for 3 years and what I loved so much about him is he came by the service department everyday to say Hi and ask us if we were ok. You didn't see that from Owners in the car business. I had so much respect for him. He always cared about his employees and his customers. RIP Mr. Jacobson. 

I am so sorry for Mr. Jacobson’s passing.  When I would pass him @ the dealership, he made me feel special.  My prayers & condolences to the family & staff.  

Prayers to the family.  I moved to the area in 1997 and purchased my Toyota Camry from the dealership.  I always had a great experience, and enjoyed watching the commercials. He will be missed. May the family continue to find comfort in the days ahead.

Great guy, very funny. i just to work for him between 2007 and 2008. great experience.  A guy to admire always energetic full of life.
Vuela Alto querido Mark. 

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I felt like I knew him. Passed him at the dealership. I have been a customer for many years.  He always wanted his team to take care of customers.  I know several do. Thank you and may you rest 🙏 in peace. 

I would like to take this time to extend my condolences to the family I am a auto transport driver for toyota so sorry for your loss and we will be keeping you and your family in prayer.

We are so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. Our condolences go out to Shelly.  We had not seen Mark in many years after working with him, but we bought a car from Mark Jacobson Toyota while visiting our son in Durham. True to his nature, Mark treated us with his usual grace. We are so glad we got to see him then. 

I was privileged to do a Toyota of Durham TV commercial back in the day before the dealership became Mark Jacobsen Toyota. Mark "The Chickenman" Andrews with his world famous Japanese White Silkie Chickens (Aquila & Priscilla) with Mark Jacobsen! We had a wonderful time together. Mark Jacobsen had the greatest way to connect with people from all walks of life - even a guy who trained exotic chickens like me!
So much gratitude to making life genuine and always full of humor to his life. Mark Jacobsen lived life without hesitation to make others feel important with a smile!

We bought 2 vehicles from Mark Jacobson Toyota. The customer service was phenomenal. We saw Mark on both occasions walking casually through his dealership. He spoke and smiled as if he had known us forever.  Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. You will be missed and I will miss seeing you in your commercials. 

When my son, Mark Andrews, was “The Chickenman of Raleigh,” he and another gentleman who wore overalls, did some commercials for your Mark.  My Mark thought it was an honor and really enjoyed it.  He always spoke highly of your Mark, especially with his humor and caring ways.  “NO”    We never say that word.  My condolences to your family.  Our area of his country are very saddened.

Mark hired me in 2015 to manage his classic car collection.  As a boss, I always viewed him as being hard, but fair.  I think that was an important ingredient to his success.  As a person, I remember him asking me through the years if I enjoyed my job.  My answer was always, "Yes."  I rarely called him, "Mark." I almost always referred to him as, "Boss." 
He would sometimes suddenly appear out of the blue  in my office and sit down in a chair.  He would always begin by talking cars, but sometimes the conversation would evolve into a discussion about the '61 Yankees, or perhaps it would be "Honeymooners" trivia.  It is those moments that I will probably remember him by most.
Rest in peace, Boss. 





i loved talking to mark he was funny guy we had alot of laughs together   great car guy   may you rest in peace my friend 

I will miss Mark.  He and Shelley have been good friends for a long time.  He was very supportive of Women's Heart Health at UNC.  My heart goes out to Shelley and his family.  I look forward to helping celebrate his life.

I never bought one of Mr. Jacobson's Toyotas (or ANY Toyota for that matter) and never met the gentleman - but I FEEL as though I did. Mark came into our home on our TVs so many times over the years, always good-humored and with a chuckle, that I can't help but feel that he was a friend and almost family. 

Incidentally, a few years ago I had occasion to have my Wrangler serviced at a Jeep dealer in upstate New York. The service writer appeared to be the identical twin of Mark Jacobson. I showed the gentleman Mr. Jacobson's picture on my cell phone and he called others over to look at it. The resemblance was just phenomenal!

Mark Jacobson, you will be sorely missed.

What a funny witty guy. You'll truly be missed 

Rip mack.. but i had a very negative experience whenever i visited your dealership in durham NC.. you will be missed by many..

My deepest condolences to the Jacobson  family we are so sorry for your lose. i worked with Mark in 1987 at Toyota of Hollywood in sales and management, and me and my wife Jodie went on many south east toyota trips with mark and we had so much fun he was one of the best motivators i have ever meet. also honest,funny and a good friend to us we will miss you Mark. RIP  Cary & Jodie Krevoy

I was sadden by the lost of this great soldier. Mark was definitely a great man to work for, his integrity, leadership and the love he showed his work family was undeniable.  I worked with and for him  over 17 years . I  will miss his smile and warm hello. To your queen, nephew and Jacobson Family my prayers are with you during this season. 
May he rest in the arms of the almighty.  Sleep on "Mark Steven Jacobson", we love you and miss your presence 🌹❤ Always Wanda 



Mark was a local Miami personality when I was in high school. I was pleased to see him again after I moved up to North Carolina in 1997. He was a salesman, a showman and an invigorating factor in our community. He will be missed by me and many others!

So sorry to hear of Mark's passing. My heart goes out to Rochelle, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time 

So sorry. Always bigger than life. Have some great memories from New Hyde Park. Love to Rochelle, Arlene and the family.  Would love to hear from you. Barry&Shelley Kanofsky. 

My Uncle Mark was undoubtably the most charismatic, intelligent and giving individual. He could instantly light up a room with his positivity and charm. The jokes, laughter and competitive golf outings we shared will be missed for eternity. He was the best, he will be missed and I know his legacy will live on forever. You will never be forgotten uncle Mark since you always left an impression with everyone you met or touched their lives. Thank you for being in mine and touching my life in more ways than you will ever know. I love you always and forever! 

Your Nephew, 
Zachary Moskowitz 


We will miss seeing him around the neighborhood, our daughter will especially miss him at her lemonade stands.  He was very kind to my husband and I and went out of his way to make us feel welcomed and comfortable specially in a time when the club wasn't as accepting to having young kids in the dining areas.  I hope to still see Rochelle and please if you could let her know, Covid or not - Mark and I are here for her - We will never forget his kindness and the protective interest he took in us to ensure we didn't feel out of place at the club having a new baby in the restaurant and bar area.  Much Love and Peace, Kimberly, Mark, Jacqueline, Luke & Rhys Lovegrove

I’m sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. We here in North Carolina will miss his bantering, excitement & enthusiasm of all of his commercials. Prayers of comfort...🙏🏽

Sending my deepest condolences to Mrs. Rochelle and the Jacobson family. I had the pleasure of working for Mark for 9 years now. Mark was a great leader for his team, thank you for everything you have done for us at the dealership, your legacy will continue!! 

Rest Easy Mark!!

On behalf of the entire Primeau family, I send our deepest condolences to Rochelle and to Mark’s family and friends.  

My family was very fortunate to know Mark and Rochelle when they lived in South Florida.  We purchased and leased many cars from Mark when he was at several different South Florida dealerships.  More importantly, Mark and Rochelle were close family friends.  Their home was my “home away from home” where I would often house-sit and take care of their beloved Akita (Sushi) when they were out of town.

The many heartfelt comments on this memorial page are a testament to what a great person Mark was and how much he will be missed.  I hope that in time the sense of loss we are all feeling will be replaced with joy and happiness by the many memories of how Mark touched our lives.

/john 


Dear Rochelle:

We were shocked and saddened to learn of Mark's death.  Our last memory of Mark was lobster night at the club.  He was so enjoying that lobster dinner with a beautiful smile on his face. Such a great smile and such a sweet and caring man. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.  Our deepest condolences.

Ed and Diane Block

Got my first toyota, a blue Corolla 2004 I believe,  from Mark. So sorry for his family's loss and the funny and quirky leader of Mark Jacobsen Toyota. Prayers to both families. 

I am so sorry for your loss. I have patronized the Durham dealership 22 years (last 3 vehicles) and highly appreciate the facility and services. I only saw Mr Jacobson 2-3 times and as usual he was smiling. May you draw from God the comfort and direction needed and available for today and tomorrow   Blessings to the family. Glenda V Saunders

Mt heart filled condolences go out to Rochelle, and the entire Jacobson Family. I have had the honor of working for Mr Jacobson for the past 15 and a half years. I will miss Mr Jacobson, for his leadership, his compassion to excellence, and most of all his friendship. .  RIP.  Rohn Hull 

Prayers and condolences to Mark's family and friend's 🙏 

His sense of humor and the ability to make you feel good and important are just a few of his greatest assets.

As great and successful of a businessman as he was  , he was even a better person and I'm fortunate to have experienced that and to work so closely with him.

Thank you for a dream opportunity and you will be missed!!

I had known Mark since I was 12 years old. Had fun memories with him in Boca. Please send my sympathy to Arlene. Would like to hear from her.

Will be thinking of his family during this time.  I thought a great deal of Mark.  I bought 4 cars from him over the years and he was always so kind.  I was sorry to hear he is gone, he will be missed by many people.

I did not know him personally like so many others but remember his live commercials very well . I first remember him when he had dark long hair . Sometimes he did commercials with a little curly white dog . He was so charismatic that came through the TV !  Prayers for all of his family & friends for peace , calm & comfort . 

Mark was my customer for years at Deluxe Cleaners in Chapel Hill. It was always a pleasure to see his smiling face come through the door. Thoughts and prayers for family, friends and employees. May he rest in peace.

Our deepest condolences to Rochelle, Mark’s family and friends.  We are so sorry for the loss of a great friend.  Mark was always bubbly and smiling, and had a big presence wherever he went.
We will missed him dearly.  
With Love,
Drs. Christine and Michael Lee

My condolences and prayers to the family. He will be missed. May he, R.I.P.

He was great man a wonderful person & we do share the same birthday Rip!

My God  continue to comfort you doing this loss of a love family member he was a great guy and he had the gift of giving !  God said it better to give then to received, and Mr  Jacobson  truly displayed that . Rip   To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord 🙏🏽

I'm @the dealership getting my car service that I purchased here@Mark Jacobson Toyota & just heard and read the sad news of his passing.  My condolences and prayers to the family. He will be  missed. May he, R.I.P.

One of the funniest and all around nicest guys I ever came across my entire life. From the first time that he came into a restaurant that I once owned near the governors club we hit it off like we were life long friends. If you ever had the pleasure to be around him you would truly know what a charismatic man he was. I hope when you get to heaven they can make you the sauteed Mussels you used to eat at Vincenzo's. My heart and prayers go out to the family.

Mark was one of my customers at Harris Teeter in Chapel Hill, NC. He was always so nice to me. I will miss him. Praying for his wife and family.

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Mark Jacobson. Mark cared deeply for his local Charities, he was the lead supporter for Special Olympics North Carolina thru the efforts of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Mark Jacobson Toyota served as Title Sponsor for our Charity Golf Tournament during the last 23 years, held at Governors Club which was supported by the Chapel Hill Police Department Law Enforcement Torch Run for 20 years  and for the last three years, the event moved to Chatham County Sherriff's Office. He was a strong supporter of Law Enforcement and will be deeply missed.

Hi wanted to say he was a sweet man I meet him at his dealership and I buy 3 cars from him always had a smile on his face I’m truly going to miss him .. my heart and prayer are to the family

I learned how to drive on the car we bought from you. I always loved your commercials as a kid. The energy and the dogs always got me. Sorry for your loss. 

I just asked about him on Monday (August 3rd) when I dropped my car off to be serviced.  I had missed seeing his television ads with his fur babies!  My thoughts and prayers are with the family!

Frances Burton

Sorry for your loss. Will miss seeing Mark's commercials on TV with fur babies. I bought two cars from him. One new in 2005 and then a used car just a little over a year. He was an awesome person and I saw him several times walking around the dealership while waiting for my car to be serviced. He will be missed.

I first met Mark at his dealership. He was always smiling and so kind. His babies were beautiful (fur) and I know they will miss their dad. May someone love and protect them in his absence. Mark may you rest in peace. My condolences to his family, friends,  employees. 

God Bless Veronica. 

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Mark Jacobson. I never had the chance to meet him, but he seemed like a genuinely nice person. I always enjoyed his commercials with his fur babies. May you RIP Mr. Jacobson!!

What a legacy Mark leaves. I had an opportunity to meet him twice here in Durham, NC. We spoke at length about his private vehicle collection and Brooklyn, NY. I offer my condolences to his family, employees, and friends. He was a personality and life that will be missed. 

I always enjoyed watching Mark advertise his dealership with his many friends both customers and employees 

I  remember when I first came over to gat my new truck as I  were leaving he came in with his to beautiful little  puppy. He will be missing


He was a kind loving person may he rest in peace gone but never will he be forgotten

I first met you when the dealership was started ,then we shared a flight back from Las Vegas,  share a meal there at the steak house near the dealership. Always smiling, Durham has lost a great asset.  RIP my friend 

So sorry for your Loss My deepest condolence

Hello from Raleigh, NC. My condolences to the family and friends  of Mark. I remember him from his wonderful commercials.  Too bad I didn't get to meet him. Peace. 

 I am sorry for your loss, Mark Jacobson, truly made everyone he came in contact with feel like family.  For the last 7 years I drove an hour and 25 minutes for an oil change. Just because he rub my Yorkie one Saturday and ask could she have pizza. I guess they was already ordering it. He brought two slices to us!!! A man that took time for a little old country girl like me. He talk about his fur babies, and knew i had made a friend for life.  Mark will truly be miss, a man of kindness, sincere to all he met. God takes the best. Praying for you all.

My condolences to family and all of those whose life was touched by Mark Jacobson. I know that number is many. I worked at Mark Jacobson Toyota for over five years, and my life is infinitely better as a result. Thank you, Mark, for your acumen as a businessman, your kindness as a boss (the Thanksgiving turkeys, holiday hams, and Christmas luncheons), and the respect that you held for your customers. Durham will miss you!
Lavonne

I remember serving his love for Italian wine! 

Watching TV and not seeing Any more of his witty commercials, is going to be very sad. Always enjoyed those! 

My thoughts and prayers for the Jacobson Family!

I loved his commercials, he will be missed.
Our condolences to the family 

There’s definitely only one Mark Jacobson. The “King of One-Liners” never ceased to make you laugh. He always made you feel like you were the only one in the room. 

Growing up, I will always remember one Thanksgiving in New York. As a kid, the best place you could go is to the biggest Toy Store in NYC. Mark disappeared for about 20 minutes, and shows up with not just 2 Yo-Yo’s (Luke C. - if you see this, you’ll remember this story.) but 3 Yo-Yo’s. It appeared that Mark was able to locate his inner-child and proceeds to show us his “skills” right outside the store. To this day,   I still believe it was Mark’s favorite store and we were just along for the ride LOL! He never missed a moment to have some fun, which was always refreshing. 

As an adult, I was able to truly appreciate his creative mind, unmatched marketing expertise, and generosity - but more importantly, his love for his family, friends, and associates. 

He will be truly missed, yet his incredible legacy will remain. 

My Condolences to the Family and Friends of Mark Jacobson...

My most sincere condolences to his entire family. I have work for Mr Jacobson for 2 1/2 years and the many times I bumped into him he was so talkative and an amazing person. Always asked how everything was going. He sure will be missed. We have lost a great person. 

I meet him 2 tears ago when I brought my car. I was talking to him about his private cars. Nice man. It will never be the same now.  Thanks

I am sorry to hear about Mark's passing.  Truly one of a kind that will be missed by many people.  

Roy B. Twisdale

OBITUARY

Mark Steven Jacobson

October 28, 1946 – August 5, 2020

Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel

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