J.W. Charles Jacobi

J.W. Charles Jacobi, 91, a longtime resident of Ventura County, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, at his home. He fought a two year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Charles was born on September 6, 1922, in Marshall, MO and moved to the San Fernando Valley in 1951.

After serving as a B-17 pilot in World War II over Germany and Italy, Charles was discharged in Santa Ana and on the GI Bill, graduated from USC, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He became a school teacher for six years with his last position at Winnetka Elementary School. Charles then opened his own business as an entrepreneur, selling used brick out of his home garage and finally creating Jacobi Building Materials and settling in 1959, at its present location in Canoga Park. During his 50 plus year career, he was well known and well respected in the business community.

He always enjoyed sports and while attending Missouri Valley College, running track, earned the title as the fastest man in Missouri. In his later years he became one of the top Gin Rummy players in the nation. Charles had a very successful tournament career in Las Vegas, his second home. He was also an extensive traveler; from Canada to Russia and from Germany to Australia. Charles attended six different Summer Olympic Games in his travels around the world.

Charles is survived by his three children, daughter Donnasue and her husband Fred; son John, son Robert and his wife Jane; two grandchildren, Derek and Lacey, great granddaughter Ellie; and his life’s love, Elisabeth Landsrath.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to your favorite local school in his name.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.