Robert P. ‘Jake’ Jacobs

CRYSTAL FALLS — Robert P. “Jake” Jacobs passed away Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at his home.

Jake was born in Chicago, son of the late Robert J. Jacobs and Dolores M. (Mauer) Jacobs.

Jake and his family moved to Crystal Falls in 1993 where Jake worked as a contractor/carpenter.

Jake was a creative, a craftsman; he encouraged creative thinking and self expression and easily found solutions to almost any problem. He was always ready to help with the tools necessary and was consistently dressed for the weather. He would give you one of several shirts off his back.

Jake was a lifelong bluesman, growing up in Chicago, learning piano as a kid, then playing the keyboard in bands where he found his roots and his enduring passion for the blues. Once in the UP, he performed as Jake and the Fireside Band, most recently at Marquette Area Blues Fest.

Jake was a dedicated musician who performed with and had been in the company of the legends of the Blues world, though nothing brought him greater joy than performing for his family and friends; he was known to include names of his loved ones in his lyrics. Jake was generous, nurturing young musicianship with his endless supply of new harmonicas to hand out to kids. He sang conversationally, frequently breaking out in a line of a song that had been on the tip of his tongue.

Jake always had the time to stop and talk; he was authentically inclusive and accepting. A good listener, Jake was empathetic and uniquely warm. His sense of humor and musicality are unforgettable.

He is survived by his wife, Flora; daughter, Roberta (Jacobs) Scott, and son-in-law, Sean Scott of Crystal Falls; son, Justin Stringer, and daughter-in-law, Nan, of Chicago; grandchildren, Sparrow Nova, Justin Thomas, Jayne Joyce, and Stella Grace; and sister, Janice Barnet of Boerne, Texas.

Tribute to a Bluesman will be held Nov. 9 from 4 to 8 pm at the Infield Bar in Crystal Falls.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Robert P. “Jake” Jacobs online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.