Dr. William Edward “Jake” Jacobs with peace and assurance went to his personal Lord and Savior on December 6, 2014, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Hopper Jacobs; two children, Scott Jacobs (Michelle) of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Wendy Bentien (Fritz) of Charlotte, NC; four treasured grandchildren, Lauren and Lili Mei Jacobs, and Carly and Laney Bentien. He is also survived by his two brothers, Tom Jacobs (Vicki) and Steve Jacobs, and several nieces and nephews, as well as his goddaughter, Spencer Beasley. “Dr. Jake” as he was affectionately known, was the son of Luke and Louise Jacobs.
Born November 20, 1943 in Washington DC, he grew up with his brothers in Hamburg, NY and Chagrin Falls, OH, and attended high school at Walnut Hills in Cincinnati, OH. He attended Davidson College where he was a pre-med major and graduated a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Medical school, internship and residency were completed at The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where he graduated as a member of the distinguished medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha, one of the highest honors for which a student is eligible. He had a long and rewarding career as a physician, and practiced for 30 years at Charlotte Plastic Surgery Center. Teaching residents and fellows as a clinical professor of surgery provided special enjoyment. His compassion for others led him on several medical mission trips, including Costa Rica, Sierra Leone and Haiti.
An Eagle Scout and former scout master, Jake was an avid reader, who also enjoyed fly fishing, boxing and worldwide travels with his wife. His passion for knowledge, and especially history, was evident to all who knew him. He had a keen sense of humor and a unique ability to connect with people a great man, an outstanding physician, good friend and a bright light in difficult times.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Al Hudson, Dr. Jaspal Singh, Dr. Mark Steigel and Dr. Michael Livingston along with his staff Lori and Norman, for their excellent care and compassion. A special debt of gratitude is extended to Jake’s “family” at Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte.
A memorial service will be held at Little Church on the Lane, Charlotte, NC on January 3rd, at 11:00 am.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carolinafuneral.com. Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center is entrusted with the arrangements.