Jake taught me to bend and pump in 1991 at Lightwriters.  I had a fascination since childhood in neon discharge.  As a fellow electrical engineer, he was the perfect teacher for me and always a warm curious fellow explorer. Every time I drive past the old Winnetka shop location, I can still visualize the shop and him inside.  I was sad to learn of his passing, but cherish the gift he gave me. (I chose "Colleague" as the closest relationship option for this post, but "Student" is more accurate.)

Dear Fishman family. 
We are so sorry for your loss. Jacob’s passing leaves a space that won't be filled. We had the pleasure and honour of working with him on our large Nauman show.  We could not have done it without him. He even brought his family to Switzerland to help! It was such a joy to have them here. He was a ‘true artist’ and an exceptional human being – generous, positive, and always a delight to be with. 
Jacob is a legend in the neon world; there is none like him. May his neon star brighten up our skies at night.
With love and sympathy from the team at
Schaulager, Basel

Dear Fishman Family,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Jacob taught me so much about neon--how glean how it was made from the finished product, how intensly complex sequencers can be--but what I'll remember most is him. His warmth, humor, silliness, they way he'd light up a room walking into it (he'd probably groan at the pun, then laugh anyway). I know his loss is felt widely, by all the lives (and artworks) he's touched. I was lucky to learn from him, and luckier to know him. 

Sending love,
Ellen

Teaching art conservators how to look at neon at the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale during the Getty's Neon Focus meeting.

Party at Lightwriters during the Art Institute's Persistent Glow symposium

It’s been difficult to find the right words of condolence or memory to share here. Looking back through my messages with Jake, I found our last exchange. I had complimented the Lightwriters Newsletter and everything he, Petrie, Zöel, and all those involved have built. He replied, “Thanks. The new studio has given me new life.” Reading those words again, I’m grateful to know that he was excited about the future and taking such joy in his work. 

My heartfelt condolences to his family and to everyone whose lives he touched.

I was honored to be supervised by Jake, Zoelle, and museum officials a few years ago when they came to Affordable Signs & Neon with repairs from Bruce Nauman's installation at Glenstone, "Good Boy, Bad Boy." It was a surreal experience in that they were so matter-of-fact low key and personable while I worked on those iconic neon words. Their presence and shared love of neon during the day was pure bliss for me. The repairs went flawlessly. Having taught neon for many years myself, I was thrilled to have Jake there watching me--very surreal, peaceful and fun. I will always remember the feelings of genuine appreciation of the craft and of each other that we exchanged that day. 
Keeping the neon shining,
Haley Ryane Meushaw

I had a dream a few nights ago that I shared with Zoelle the morning of:

I had come to Lightwriters and Zoelle had just finished moving around some large pieces of furniture. A bunch of us were calmly (somberly) sitting around a big table discussing upcoming events and plans.  Of course Jacob was there, adding his thoughts and listening with us-- helping us move forward.

He is still with us in that magical space that he and Zoelle built-- with us in our dreams and our visions of the future, contributing and supporting us all as always. An example of how to live a full, warm,  and loving life <3

Lightwriters Buildout with SAIC Neon Class Summer 2024

This is the last text Jacob sent me. He was the coolest cousin ever. Always inviting me to hang out with him on his latest art adventures, back then it was the darkroom. Very sweet and always wanting to hear a song I wrote or coming to Wisconsin to hear me sing. Like his mom, he told great jokes and enjoyed story telling. The most wonderful laugh. He loved his family and his neon very much. He is sorely missed. My love to his family.

I felt I knew Jacob through his sister-in-law Paula.
He was a wonderful man with time for all his family members.
Rest in peace, Jacob.
My sympathies to his beloved wife, children and grandchildren.

My cousin Jacob was always a welcoming soul and friend to me. When I wanted to connect with family he was someone I trusted and counted on. Me being in California  and him in Chicago. My mother Helene, as his aunt was always proud of him.  Both of us shared a love of arts and culture. I am so sad to hear that he left and  happy to know that Zoey is carrying it forward.  Rest in peace dear one. Leah Goodwin

It was such a delight to have Jacob and his wife come install Zoelle’s beautiful “Beloved” neon piece in our apartment. At first, we were going to attempt to hang it ourselves, but Zoelle thankfully offered up her parents to come do the installation. It was a blessing on every level. Not only did we not understand the complexity of the job, we would have missed out on the delightful time we had together. He did the install with such joy, such ease — and it made what was already a very special anniversary gift even more meaningful. After they finished, Jacob couldn’t resist Doug’s guitar collection and they started jamming and singing. Jacob had an infectious spirit and energy and kindness. We appreciate every exchange we had with him and only wish we could have had more. Our thoughts and kindest wishes to all feeling his loss. 💗

One of the first Lightwriters' Intro classes. Helping to create the next generation of neon benders. It was always amazing and fun to watch Zoelle and Jake teach together. Both of their love for the craft and determination to carry on neon was apparent to students and workers alike.

"Paws up for the train."  The never ending battle between Lightwriters and the train caught on film.

Defying gravity is a song that is often sung by our dear LJ at Lightwriters. Jake used gravity to it's fullest potential as a neon bender.

This was during the grand opening of the next generation of Lightwriters. The community Jake, Zoelle, Pet and the rest of the Nagib/Fishman family has created brought so much light and joy to so many lives. It's just what the world needed, a place filled with love and light. Thank you so much for letting us be apart of it.

This was the day we first lit the fires at Lightwriters. I was lucky enough to be apart of the build out and what an amazing time it was. I had no idea what I was doing which Jake did not hesitate to let me know. But he was happy to guide you, as was the rest of the builders and of course, Zoelle and Pet. I was amazed to see just what wonders Zoelle was constructing, especially with a rainbow of colors. I was equally amazed with seeing working artists like them. When I first walked in, Jake and Pet were building tables from scratch while also being playful with their kids and grand kids. It gave me a whole new perspective, hope and confidence on what a full life can look like as an artist. Thank you to all of you for showing us what is possible.

A trip to Meow Wolf before the Denver Neon Guild Meet up.

Once there was a news channel that came to document something at Lightwriters and this piece was up in the gallery. They wanted footage of him showing the piece to someone but there would be no sound. So while they filmed instead of explaining his methods or thought process of his work, he just spoke in absolute gibberish the whole time. It was so fun.

Jake's demos were always multiple demos into one. You thought you were just learning one thing when you'd leave with so much more. His knowledge seemed limitless. There were so many times when you began making something and I truly had no idea what you were doing until the end. Truly a magician.

Jake was one of the first neon luminaries I met when I got into the business back in the 1980's.  Throughout the 40 years we were acquainted was always helpful, always positive, and always willing to share from his limitless knowledge and experience.   The industry and each of us is better for having known him.  He will be missed.

Legend in the neon world. Thank you for your contribution to the craft through your teaching and mentorship. Your spirit will live on in your artwork and every student that you have inspired. Sending heartfelt condolences to the family. ❤️

I'm happy to have met Jacob through work. I got to experience his incredible kindness and expertise while working on a Nauman artwork. I was sad to hear of his passing and I will remember him for his generosity of knowledge. I feel lucky to have had my introduction to this medium through him and Zoelle.
With gratitude,
Daniella

Jake was President of the North Shore Radio Club and I served on his Board. He was passionate about ham radio and taught me and others many tricks of the trade. He pulled me into his Neon world… you had no choice! Jake always pulled others into his circle.  I loved hanging in his studio to watch him create all manner of fascinating neon art. Jake was a patient teacher, a good friend to me, and his drive kept the NSRC alive during some difficult financial times for the club. The ham radio community will miss him. NE0NS. His FCC call sign. Now a silent key. He cast a big brother shadow on those  he touched.

Anybody that that was lit by the arc of neon and glass tube-and went in that direction despite the difficulty --for the love of the art-that is a beautiful life-- I toast you -extraordinary life form.   from a glass bender --peace be upon you and your family--

My heart goes out to Jacob's family, friends, students. So grateful for all the inspiring classes Jacob & Dave Wilson taught at Penland over the years. Jake was a remarkably gifted and generous person. Such an enormous loss for so many.

It was wonderful to have Jacob and Zoelle both at my atelier in Paris, and I really enjoyed our exchange, particularly the stories that Jacob shared, techniques and works he have used and seen :) It was a heart warming morning 😇 and now he’s a shining bright star looking over us ✨

Once I thought I left my keys at work and texted Jake, who was still at the studio, if he saw them anywhere. Luckily a few minutes later I found them at home. I texted Jake about it and he sent me this as a response:)

Last Halloween I asked Jake what he was going to dress up as and instead of telling me, he later just sent me this photo.

This past year I was tasked with making video content for Lightwriters. I asked Jake if he didn't mind if I taped him doing some bending tricks. To say that he agreed would be an understatement. He was more than happy to show off his skills and play around with the glass. It was so much fun to watch him create.

A few months after I started working at Lightwriters, Zoelle and Jake took me with them to a neon guild meetup in Denver. I had so much fun getting to know them better and exploring the then new world of neon. At the end of our visit, our very tired trio decided to visit the Denver art museum. At one point we split up to look around a little. When Zoelle and I were ready to regroup, we went to find Jake. We eventually found Jake in the African Art section doing a very tired but enthusiastic shimmy to the music that was playing. He got me to shazam the song and eventually made me add it to the Lightwriters playlist so he could hear it during classes.

I moved back to Chicago to be apart of Lightwriters and I have not once regret the decision. In fact, I think it was the best one I have ever made because I got to meet Jake, Zoelle and the rest of their wonderful family. They filled the place with light with more than just neon, it very quickly became a home for so many. 

Jake taught me so many things about neon, his love for it was undeniable.  His skill was breathtaking and I will miss watching him bend. I am so honored to have worked so closely with him and to be a part of Lightwriters. I have so many wonderful memories of his silliness and sassiness that I will cherish forever. 

Jake, thank you for being who you were. The artist, the bender, the husband, the father and the grandfather that you were was so amazing to witness. I am so thankful to have known you.

I am so sorry to hear of Jake's passing. I occasionally visited Lightwriters studio when I worked for a North Shore stained glass studio back in the 80s and bought a few of his pieces. Jake was funny, kind-hearted, an accomplished artist, and wonderful teacher. He will be missed as a great force in the glass community both near and far. My heart goes out to Petrie and his family.

Jacob was a wonderful human, artist, and friend. I met him at Penland over twenty years ago, and got to know him more recently, working with him on multiple commissions which he always executed with precision, care, and a classic sense of humor! During work drop-offs with his lovely wife, I would learn little details about trips he was taking, his passions. He was humble, but fiercely proud of his work. He had good reason! He was a skillful craftsman and seemed to have  worked with everyone in the art world. But what he was most proud of was his family. He would show off what his children were up to and the neon that they inspired. He was a real one and will be so missed. Sending love and respect.

I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Jacob Fishman and Zoelle for a neon symposium and workshop.  Prior to this experience, I had only known of him through stories of expertise from colleagues,  reading about his artwork and publications he contributed to like The Neon Engineer's Notebook.  I am grateful to have met him in person at the Art Institute of Chicago and Lightwriters.  In this photo he is showing us a Dem-O of neon bending.  He was an incredible instructor.  I'll fondly remember him taking a "Paws" to talk while the L loudly zoomed by and him holding his hands up and blinking them.

Very sorry to learn this, condolences to you all. His lights will shine on for eternity. In sympathy and peace, long may his memory endure.

I'm so sorry to hear about Jacob.  I only met him a little bit in the studio but his passion for the craft was clear.  All my best to Zoelle and the Fishman family.

Dear Fishmann Family,
I just read this sad news on the mailing list. I’m Manuel from Switzerland, and I had the honor of getting to know Jacob as a highly skilled neon expert. In the short time I knew him, I quickly realized what a wonderful person he was. There are virtues that you can immediately see and feel in certain people. I wish you, as a family, much strength to ease this loss and grief with love.
A very warm hug and all my love to you and to him, in whose memory this is dedicated.

Manuel Cota
NEON ATELIER BERN, Belpberg, Switzerland

Jake was a walking book of neon knowledge. 
And one of the most humorous people ive met.  RIP

My late husband Skip and I met Jacob and Petrie at the Old Town School of Folk Music. We were all taking a jug band class, and it turned out to be one of the best things we'd ever done. We formed lifelong friendships with Pet and Jake, and when Arlo Leach, the teacher, moved to Portland OR, the 4 of us, with some others, formed our own jug band. But the friendships were as important as the music. 
Jake was the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful, funniest, most creative and inventive person I've ever met. He enriched my life, and I'll miss him forever. 
Memories of Jacob will be a blessing for me, and I hope for Petrie, whom he loved dearly, for the rest of their family, and the friends he made through music, neon, and by just plain being himself. 
I'll see you at the memorial.  Love, Fran Landt

He always made sure to tell me I did a good job with every show I curated at Lightwriters, even the ones where I was still learning how to curate. I would wear the silliest of things and he always lit up with joy when he said he likes it. I’ll never forget hearing the SAIC story for the first time nor will I ever not giggle at the reason why colors was returned while always looking at it in awe. I am forever grateful for when he paid for my birthday brunch (I know it wasn’t cheap) and I still feel real bad about that A that he fixed only for it to get broken again a week later. His passion led to my community, and I will forever be thankful to him. He brought so much joy just with his presence, and always led with humor and kindness. We only knew each other for a little under 2 years, but I miss him, and he will remain with me for the rest of my life.

It was such an honor to meet Jacob. He radiated comfort. It was always a delight to hear one of his tangents and catch a glimpse into what was undoubtedly an exciting life. For the brief interactions we had, he was always patient and wise. I feel comforted that his legacy extends through so many glassbenders, and people more than neon as well. I hope grief is matched with celebration.  Rest in peace.

My encounters with Jacob were limited to a few instances but it was clear he was a passionate, joyful and wise man. Everytime he said goodbye he always made sure to say something genuinely thoughtful about the experience we had just shared together as extended family. May his memory be a blessing that leaves you with warmth and comfort. - Julie Becker  (Arlo's sister-in-law)

My brother-in-law, Jacob, shared his laughter and happiness with all who knew him.
Seriousness got things done and brought success with his neon art even in Paris.
He raised three children and they have his independence and dreams.

I will miss Jake. I was the older cousin and I remember when my Aunt would drop him at our house to visit with our grandmother. He will be missed.May his memory be a blessing

I am in shock!!! I knew Jacob as Jackie.
I was best friends with his sister Cyd. We lived 2 blocks from each other.
Jacob lost his parents & siblings when they were relatively young.
My condolences to Jacob’s family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I met Jake ( as he was known to me then) in an engineering class at the UofA. He invited me back to his place after class one day and we were friends ever since. We had a lot in common - music mainly. He recorded my rock band for me during his time in Tucson and we hung out in Chicago in 1973 when I was there learning to be a Hammond organ repairman in Franklin Park. We saw the Stones together during that trip! We saw each other a couple more times when I traveled to Northlake while I was working for GTE in the 80s. He was kind enough to create a neon Stratocaster for me (pictured above) which used to hang in my office at Fender but now holds a place of honor in my garage. rest in Peace old buddy!

Larry Lorenzen

Rest in peace Jacob.  

I will cherish the summers learning from you in the studio while listening to Elvis Costello.

I am so, so sorry to hear of Jacob’s passing. You lost a beloved family member, and an entire community lost a light. 
I remember in 2024 at Brooklyn Glass I asked him to review my neon bending  that day and give me some pointers. He said it couldn’t be better, just keep to a high standard always and be proud of good technique. That was the highest compliment I could ever have received and will stay with me forever. Jacob made such iconic work and was so supportive of those learning in the following generations. He will be missed by many.

He was a great mentor, friend, and teacher. What a truly fantastic person with so much love and happiness to give to the world. I learned a lot from him about neon and life as a young man. The photo is from a neon show in Madison Wisconsin. My condolences go out to you all.

Jacob lighting the first fire of Lightwriters ❤️‍🔥

Jacob is a legend and has sculpted the way many practice the art of neon.  This could easily be his life’s accomplishment: from his brilliant artworks to the ways he collaborated with world renowned artists to change the way people think about the medium, to his generous and instructive texts and teaching practice. He made a worldwide impact that has touched generations.  However, more than all of this, Jacob was  fun, generous, a proud father, supremely kind, a playful and funny human. 

I did not get to spend much time with him, but his specialness, his presence, and care was palpable. This comes through in his brilliant children too. Through the prism of this tremendous loss it is easy to see a person who found his mission and lived a beautiful life surrounded by people he deeply cared for. What a rare and remarkable legacy and lesson for all of us.
May his memory be a blessing,

Corrie Siegel, Executive Director, Museum of Neon Art

We are so sorry. He must have been wonderful since he raised you, Zoelle. Losing a parent is so painful.

Dick and Helen

Our hearts just break for Jake, Petrie, Arlo, Zoelle, and Molly, and also for Eliot, Laila, and LJ. They also break for all of the communities who were lucky enough to enjoy Jakes talent, humor, and optimism. We met Jake after our daughter, Lena, abruptly left home to go help build Lightwriters Neon. When we met Jake, Petrie, and Zoelle we were incredibly appreciative of the love they wrapped around our daughter, as they shared their love for Neon with her.

Jake was wonderful, warm, funny, and easy to talk to, and hang out with. He answered all questions, and his curiosity about what one could do with Neon had no bounds.

Light up the sky, Jake!!!
We love you and miss you.

So Sincerely,
Margot and Bill Keys

OBITUARY

Jacob Alan Fishman

November 18, 1951 – August 5, 2026

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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