Obituary

John Thaddeus Jacobs, 78, died peacefully at home on August 1, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Joanne; daughter Lori; son Todd; daughter-in-law Lynn Price; grandson Jack; extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Klara and Raymond Jacobs, sister Jane Jacobs Mashin, and great-nephew Matthew Small.

John was born in Wolfsmünster, Bavaria, Germany, in 1947 and came to America with his family during the 1950s. He served this country for nearly 30 years, retiring as a Commander in the U.S. Navy and decorated Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War veteran. Following his military career, he worked for nearly two decades in New York City as director of surgical services at Mount Sinai Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, and New York Methodist Hospital. Upon retirement, he boarded his beloved sloop Surprise and sailed from New York Harbor home to Virginia. His greatest joys in life were exploring the world, sailing, and spending time with his grandson.

A man of deep faith, John was a longtime member of Saint Joseph’s Parish in Bon Air, Richmond, Virginia, and served as financial secretary for the Knights of Columbus. He was a rare and honorable man who lived by the principles of honesty, integrity, devotion, and service.

A Requiem Mass will be held at Saint Joseph’s Parish on Thursday, August 6, at 12:15 p.m., with private burial in the family’s home state of Wisconsin. The Jacobs family is deeply grateful to the medical team at the McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond for their compassionate care.