John Christopher Jacob

John Christopher Jacob, 72, died on January 5, 2023. John was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 27, 1950, raised in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and spent the majority of his life in Oak Park, Illinois. John graduated from Glenbard West High School, received a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. (in Writing/Poetry) from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where his mentor was the well-known poet, Michael Anania.

John was very active in the Small Press poetry scene in the 1970s-1990s, running his own publishing house Cat's Pajamas Press. He was a prolific, published poet who won Chicago's first Carl Sandburg Literary Award for Poetry. John also published a novel, Long Ride Back, about a Vietnam veteran. Throughout his career, John taught at Northwestern University, North Central College and Roosevelt University. John was also a Poet-in-Residence for the Illinois Arts Council for many years.

He is survived by his two children, Lucas (Madison) and Katy (Gabe), a granddaughter, Lenny (16), a grandson, Augie (13), a brother, Jim Jacob, and his ex-wife Martha, as well as cousins and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bertram and Eleanor (Addy). No service is planned.

In his memory, please support your local arts council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and/or PEN America. "Mellow this movement of moments…the current runs on and on through time…"

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnchicago.com for the Jacob family.