Jerry H. Jacobson

Born on September 23, 1934, in Houston, Texas, Jerry was raised in Waco, Texas surrounded by a close-knit and loving extended family. He graduated from Waco High School in 1952 and attended University of Texas before briefly serving in the Army.

Jerry was a prolific songwriter, spending time in Nashville pursuing his passion for music in the late 1950s. His song “The Spreading Chestnut” was made famous by Jerry Vale in 1957. He went on to produce several other singles throughout the 1950s and 1960s and later began writing a musical about Captain Marvel, his favorite comic book character.

Jerry met his wife, Trudy, in 1959 after being introduced by his younger sister Gwenda, Trudy’s sorority sister at The University of Texas. They married on July 7, 1960, and spent 65 wonderful years together, filled with the love of their children and grandchildren.

Jerry spent most of his life living in his adopted home of Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was an involved and vocal citizen, often writing letters to the editor in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and participating in civic organizations. Jerry was also a devoted member of Temple B’nai Israel, where he attended Shabbat services nearly every Friday night and served on the Board of Trustees and as cemetery chairman. He brought joy and creativity to the congregation by writing and performing in Purim Spiels for many years.

Jerry was a loyal University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) basketball fan, rarely missing a home game for over 30 years, and a Razorbacks fan. He was also an avid golfer who achieved eleven holes-in-one throughout his time playing.

Jerry had a varied and accomplished career but ultimately found his true calling in helping others, earning a PhD in hypnotherapy and dedicating himself to guiding people through meaningful life changes. Through his practice, he helped individuals lose weight, stop smoking, and overcome a range of personal challenges.

Jerry also found great joy in working with young people, coaching Little League baseball at Junior Deputy for many years, including his grandson Charlie’s team at age 70. Known affectionately as “Pops,” he was loved by his players, who looked up to him for his encouragement, patience, and enthusiasm.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Trudy Levy Jacobson; his children, Jana Cohen (Perry) and Gene Jacobson (Terri); and his grandchildren, Elizabeth Cohen (Lauren Johnston), Charlie Cohen (Morgan Martin), William Cohen (Abbey Steeley), Cantor Kalix Jacobson (Mickey Benson), Evan Jacobson (Hayley Johnson), and Leah Jacobson (Matt Arndt); his sister, Gwenda Krochock, sister-in-law Candy Levy, as well as two nieces, three nephews, and their families. Special thanks to his caregivers Tammy Smith, Calotta Williams, and Betty Williams.