Roll Call Tribute

Dr. Roy "Jake" Alton Jacoby
November 2, 1942 – June 18, 2021

Dr. Roy “Jake” Alton Jacoby of Houston, Texas passed away on June 18th at the age of 78 years.

Jake was born November 2, 1942 in Fredericksburg, Texas to Roy Ellis and Erna Besier Jacoby. He very much enjoyed being the eldest brother to seven brothers and three sisters. At 5 years old, he was a member of the last class to attend the Nebgen School, a one-room schoolhouse, before attending the Stonewall school through 9th grade and then graduating from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Fredericksburg. He graduated from Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine in 1965. Jake served two years as a Captain in the Army, stationed in Chicago where he met and married Frances Ann Lippens Jacoby on July 29, 1967.

Jake and Fran moved to Houston where he spent the last 54 years working as a veterinarian in Pasadena while they raised their three children, fostered children with Catholic Charities, and spent time with their grandchildren. From his early years at Bayshore Animal Hospital going out on late night large animal calls, to the last 20 years at VCA Animal Medical Center of Pasadena, Jake devoted endless hours to taking care of thousands of people’s beloved pets.

When not working, he loved spending time with his family. He traveled all over the United States with his family, and loved going on camping and fishing trips with his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. He loved gardening and taking care of his yard, taking pride in the fresh roses he would cut and bring in the house for Fran, not to mention the weekly bouquets of flowers he bought for her. He loved history and music, all kinds of music - from bluegrass and country to blues and rock - and had a particular fondness for crossword puzzles. He had a set of go-to jokes that he loved to tell - when he left the Army, his friends tape recorded him telling his jokes. German was his first language, so he enjoyed helping his grandkids with their German homework. He also loved math and could figure out almost any math problem in his head.

Jake was a person that people counted on, someone who always tried to help and selflessly gave his time and attention to people. He listened and never judged. He was kind and thoughtful and always the first one to jump in and help. He was truly a great example of the best husband, father, son, uncle, and friend you could ask for. As one of his nephews said, he was not just a kind man, he was the kindest man he ever knew. And as one of his nieces said, a little sparkle left this earth the night he went to heaven. May we see his sparkle every time we gaze upon the stars at night. We are all better people for having known and loved him.

He has joined his father, Roy, his two brothers Robert and Thomas, and his brother-in-law Charles Jenschke in their Heavenly home.

He is survived by his wife Fran Jacoby; daughter Mary Jacoby; son Roy (and Robin) Jacoby; son Michael (and Afsheen) Jacoby; grandchildren Dorothea, Catherine, Ellis, and Alton Jacoby; mother Erna Jacoby; brothers Peter (and Jean), Louie, Andy, Pat, and Ross Jacoby; sisters Jo Jenschke, Barbara Jacoby, and Carolyn (and Curtis) Garner; sister-in-law Pat (and Leon) Smith; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

His life will be celebrated in Houston, Texas at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, June 30. Family will receive friends and visitors from 5-6pm, with a service at 6pm. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stonewall, Texas, followed by his interment at Stonewall Community Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent to St. Luke’s or to St. Francis. Memorial donations may be made to The Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools, Nebgen School (checks made out to FOGCCS Nebgen School) ? Jo Jenschke 315 W. Austin St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, or to the Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Pasadena Funeral Chapel. Please visit their website and leave a memory.

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