James W. Jacobs

James “Jim” W. Jacobs, of Northbrook IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025, surrounded by loving family, at the age of 94. Known for his infectious laughter and humor, intellectual curiosity, unwavering kindness, and genuine interest in others, he touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jim was born on February 8, 1931, in Gary IN, the son of Frank W., Jr. and Mary (Glowiske) Jacobs. He graduated from McKinley High School in Canton, OH, and attended College at Mount Union and Ohio State University and received his master’s degree in business at the U. Of Louisville. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and an accomplished business professional in the executive recruiting industry, owning his own executive search firm.

Jim and Moreen (Alexander) met at a SCORE business mentoring meeting in the summer of 1994. They were married on July 5, 1996. Jim and Moreen shared many happy years together. Both shared their enthusiasm as lifelong learners as they travelling extensively throughout Europe and Asia and attended adult classes at Northwestern University. In retirement, Jim spent time devoted to his multiple passions including art classes, piano lessons, playing chess, watercolor painting, sailing, tennis, and glider piloting. As an avid reader and history buff, he was a well-known figure at the Wilmette Library where he could be found pouring over books and volunteering in his free time. But more than anything, Jim enjoyed spending time with family, and dear friends.

Jim is survived by his wife Moreen; children Pamela (Christopher) Harold, Gregg (Jody Skiest) Jacobs, Bruce Jacobs, his step-children Barry (Julie) Steinberg, Craig (Hope) Steinberg and Ilene (Rob) Weil; grandchildren, Erin (Marty) Bloom, Shannon (fiancé Travis Gaut) Harold, Kevin Harold, Lauren (Nick) Evensen, Andrew Jacobs, Jessica Jacobs, Michelle (Phil) Weil, Adam (fiancé Abby Rosenbaum) Steinberg and Jackson, Jenna and Ryan Weil; great- grandchildren Emma Blomquist, Kenley Bloom, Braxtin Bloom, Elliot Evensen and Mason Weil. Jim is also survived by his nephews Jeff and Scott Jacobs. Jim is predeceased by his parents, daughter Nancy M. Jacobs, brother Donald Jacobs and sister-in law Michaleen Jacobs.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jim’s caregiver, Josie, and his physical therapist, Jackie. They have been wonderful companions for Jim in these past years. We would like to also thank the wonderful, caring staff at North Shore Place.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in May at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Rd, Skokie, IL 60076, where friends and family are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Jim’s warmth and generosity. For service information, please contact Memorial Park Cemetery directly at 847-677-4401.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.givebutter.com/James-Jacobs).