Thomas “Tom” C. Jacobs

Thomas “Tom” C. Jacobs, 85, of Belleville, IL, born, April 28, 1939, in Belleville, IL, passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the Villas of Holly Brook in Belleville, IL.

Tom worked for Monsato Chemical Company. He was a member of the Monsanto Foreman Club, Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters and was a founder for River King Retriever Club. Although Tom C. Jacobs lived in Belleville his entire life, his natural curiosity led him to Africa, Europe and many of the U.S. states. He explored other places in the pages of books; he liked to read. He had a strong relationship with the earth along with a desire to jump into the stars. He had a quick mind and the intent to use it to make a better world for his family, humanity and our planet. Tom was a scientist, who shared the wonder of nature with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed sports, gardening, hunting, fishing, foraging, boating and camping. In his later years, birding became a special interest. Tom’s primary “hobby” competing with his Labrador Retrievers in field trials. Through this he had many challenges, adventures and accolades with the best being the friendships he established. History also interested Tom, especially the Civil War and unsolved mysteries. Genealogy was a companion hobby. As a Taurus, Tom’s best times involved sharing a good meal and some cold beer with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his:

• Wife: Cindy “Lynn” Jacobs
• Parents:  Peter E. and Leona M., nee Ruser, Jacobs
• Sister-in-law: Sharon Carpenter
• Brother-in-law: Robert Carpenter

Surviving are his:

• Children:
  • Cynthia (Scott) Parrone of Murphysboro, IL
  • Thomas (Diana) Jacobs of Valmeyer, IL
  • Jeffrey K. (Kari) Jacobs of St. Peter, MO
  • Steven M. (Tina) Jacobs of Urbana, IL
• Brother: Arthur P. (Wanda) Jacobs of Belleville, IL
• Brother-in-law:  Richard (Marsha) Rohr
• Sister:  Mary (Gene) Neighbors of Belleville, IL
• Grandchildren:
  • Vincent (Katie) Parrone
  • Veronika (Jacob) Parrone
  • Mason (Kaitlin) Parrone
  • Grant Jacobs
  • Taylor Jacobs
  • Connor Jacobs
  • Callen Jacobs
• Great grandchildren:
  • Alexandria Bradley
  • Penelope Bradley
• Numerous nieces and nephews

Express condolences at www.kurrusfh.com.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Diabetes Association or Meals on Wheels America.

Visitation: Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Doug Stewart officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.