Dr. John Dewitt Jacob

John Dewitt Jacob, age 87, of Worthington, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026. He was born on September 4, 1938, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late John George Jacob (1898–1948) and Lucille Young Jacob (1901–1984).

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Saundra Rhodes Jacob (1945–1996); his brother, George Jacob (1939–2024); his beloved aunt, Margaret Dombey (1906-2000); his cousin, Diane Niermeyer (1940–2025); and many members of earlier generations of the Jacob family who profoundly influenced his life.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Martha Schwarz Jacob; his children, Jim (Megan) Jacob and Sharon (John) Clifford; his cousin, Saundra Cooke, and sisters in-law Sue Moore, Sherry Markham and Rose Jacob. He is also survived by his stepchildren, David (Sheri) Schwarz, Debbie (Lee) Pettit, Bryan Schwarz, and Todd Schwarz; and his cherished grandchildren: Jimmy John Jacob, Samantha Jacob, Caraline Schwarz, Howard Schwarz, Sean Pettit, Loren Pettit, Emma Pettit, Claire Schwarz, Ben Schwarz, Allison Schwarz, and Jack Schwarz, as well as his nieces and nephews.

A proud Eagle Scout with Troop 28 at North Broadway Church, John graduated from University High School in 1956, where he served as Senior Class President. He continued on to The Ohio State University, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1963 and his Master of Science in Orthodontics in 1966. While at Ohio State, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi and the Psi Omega Psi Dental Fraternity.

John dedicated 25 years to his private orthodontic practice in Worthington, Ohio (1966–1991). He was a Life Member of the Columbus Ohio American Dental Association, the International College of Dentists, and the American Association of Orthodontists. He also served as Past President of the Worthington Jaycees and Past President of the Columbus Dental Veterans.

Deeply committed to his alma mater, John served on The Ohio State University Board of Trustees from 1975 to 1984, including as Chairman from 1983 to 1984. He was a Life Member of The Ohio State University Alumni Association and a proud member of the President’s Club. He was also a devoted Buckeye fan and over a 50‑year season ticket holder for Ohio State Football. He often reminisced—always with enthusiasm—that he and his brother George attended the legendary Snow Bowl on November 25, 1950.

John further served the State of Ohio when he was appointed to the Ohio Unemployment Compensation Review Commission by Governor George Voinovich, reappointed in 1995, and later reappointed again by Governor Bob Taft in 2001. He retired from the Commission in 2007.

A life member of Scioto Country Club since 1966, John was also a charter member of the Dublin-Worthington Rotary Club, founded in 1974. He represented the third of five generations of the Jacob family to live in Northwest Franklin County since 1905—a legacy he carried with great pride.

Golf was John’s lifelong passion—his sport, his joy, and his favorite way to connect with others. He played courses around the world, won numerous championships, and never missed an opportunity to offer guidance to golfers of every skill level. Whether speaking with a seasoned professional or someone making contact with the ball only occasionally, John believed every golfer had room to grow—and he was always ready to help them find it. His advice was rarely just about technique; it was about encouragement, camaraderie, and sharing meaningful moments. His generosity showed itself in countless small acts of guidance, support, and kindness.

John lived a life marked by service, leadership, loyalty, and love—for his family, his profession, his community, and his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. His impact will be felt for generations, and his memory will be treasured by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at Schoedinger Worthington, located at 6699 N High Street, Worthington, Ohio, 43085, on January 29, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at Worthington United Methodist Church, located at 600 High St, Worthington, OH 43085, on January 30, 2026, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am, followed by a final committal at Green Lawn Cemetery.