Ralph William Jacobs

Ralph Jacobs died peacefully at home on November 12, 2016, at the age of 91. He was born and raised in New Jersey. After attending Plainfield High School, he attended Duke University as an undergraduate and obtained his medical degree from Harvard Medical School.

He served in the Korean War as a Navy physician assigned to the 1st Marine Division. After the war, he was stationed at the Oakland Naval Hospital and enjoyed the Bay Area so much that he decided to move here. He began his medical practice in 1955 as the first physician in Terra Linda. He practiced in Terra Linda for 35 years with his partner, Charles Palmigiano.

After his retirement, Ralph published Cordwood, a book of poems recounting his experiences during the Korean War. He also formed a philosophy discussion group. The group has met biweekly for 25 years and is affectionately named the Brown Bag Philosophers.

During his younger years, Ralph was an excellent tennis player. He always was a lover of music, reading, gardening, the theater, travel, his many friends, and especially playing games with his grandchildren.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Carolyn and by his children, Claire Jacobs, Jon Jacobs, Cheryl (David) Heiman, and Lori Hesse. Grandchildren are Jonathan (Jackie) Nedderman, Christine (Josh) Mynear, Louisa Jacobs, Patrick Hesse, Leila Jacobs, Alia Heiman, Samantha Hipple and Taylor Heiman. Great grandchildren are Mason and Maylei Mynear and Lacey Nedderman. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy (Bill) Horsfield. Ralph’s first wife, Janice and his children, Ralph and Claudia Jacobs have predeceased him.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 21 at 2 PM at Unity in Marin, 600 Palm Drive, Hamilton Center, Novato.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Doctors Without Borders or to a charity of your choice.