Charles H. Jacobs life-long resident and active community member of Aberdeen, MD, passed away peacefully at his home of 60 years on February 11, 2023. Born on June 20, 1929 to the late Oscar L. Jacobs and Lillian G. Jacobs Chambers, he was affectionately known as Jake, Charlie, Dad, Granddad, Coach, Papa Jake and Smiling Jake Jacobs. He will be deeply missed by all his loved ones.

Jake had an unwavering passion for all things sports and was fiercely competitive as a player, coach, and fan. He was a well decorated Aberdeen High School athlete who at the time was the youngest to earn the coveted Gold A, for his combined academic and athletic achievements in basketball and baseball. Beyond school, Jake played on a community football team and on numerous baseball teams, to include the Aberdeen Canners in the Susquehanna League. His ability in baseball earned him an invitation in 1950 to the Brooklyn Dodgers training camp that he unfortunately had to decline due to injury. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Navy where he spent four memorable years serving on the Naval Destroyer, DD-630, U.S.S. Braine. Upon his return he continued to play baseball and later in life played fast-pitch softball at the Marylander and was a regular bowler at Harford Lanes. He was an avid fan of Baltimore football and had a 60-year home game perfect attendance streak that began in 1953 with the Colts and ended in 2013 with the Baltimore Ravens, including the games of the USFL Baltimore Stars and the CFL Baltimore Stallions. A needed surgery ended the streak, but he resumed attendance to attend Ravens games for several more years.

Jake worked in the canning industry for A.W. Sisk and Sons and then had a long career in banking, retiring from both Maryland National and Harford Bank. His short time in the Navy left him with a strong commitment to service. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Havre de Grace, MD where he served on numerous committees, taught Sunday School, chaperoned youth group trips and coached both men’s basketball and women’s softball. He was an active member of the Havre de Grace Lions Club where he chaired major fundraising efforts, helped with community improvements, served as President, held several District level offices and received the prestigious Lions Club International Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

Jake’s biggest joy was his family. He was quick witted, a practical joker, and an engaging story teller at most family gatherings. He rarely missed a special event for his children and later all four grandchildren. He was one of their greatest fans and has left an indelible mark on them as a strong positive role model of a life well lived. Along with his parents, Jake was pre-deceased by his beloved brother Edmund L. “Rudy” Jacobs and sister-in-law Margaret Jacobs. Memories of him will be cherished by Virginia Jacobs, his high school sweetheart and wife of 71 years; his children, Charles H. Jacobs Jr (Eve); Kenneth L. Jacobs (Barbara); Catherine M. Hall (James) and his grandchildren, Andrew Jacobs (Victoria), Jennifer Thomas (Michael), David Jacobs (Megan) and Kelsey McRoberts.

A visitation will on Sunday, February 19 from 7-9pm and again on Monday, February 20 from 10am-12pm at the Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home where a service will begin at 12:00pm. Interment will be in Baker Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 108 S. Stokes St. Havre de Grace, MD 21078.

Charles Henry Jacobs

June 20, 1929 - February 11, 2023

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