Donald Piggins

John and I shared time in choir (at Mitchell Jr High and Park) and as part of a quartet with the Kiwanis Club support of young musicians. Having said that as the good or noble part of our early lives, we were both consumate "screw-ups" carrying on with smart-assed comments and, what we thought, were brilliant examples of humor at that early age. Not knowing what did him in, I do fondly recall his sense of humor and willingness to show it at the drop of a hat.

Thomas Gustin

I knew John since the Racine YMCA (the old one) Boys Choir.  Dave Rosenthal, John and I were part of that group until our voices changed.  Then we were campers and counslers at Camp Anokijig up until college.  I remember John as a rangler in the ranch section.  During Western Day he lost control of his horse "Reno"  and ran right up and thru the girls section of camp.  I think it was all planned.

Later on in our careers our families would get together during the opening day of fishing season and once in the fall at Lake Emily Park where I was stationed.  The kids help me feed the deer, ducks, geese, peacocks, and fawns.  These gatherings were fun, exhausting, hiking the trails with the kids, and not drinking beer like we did in high school.

I also remember picking up John at the popcorn stand just down from my house and we headed to the Ivanhoe Club for the evening.  I remember one night there were five girls looking for John.  No idea what for other than he was one damn good dancer and singer. Now if this is what the female were looking for -  still no idea.

I will miss this friend and will remember all the times we were together.

Tom Gustin

Donald Piggins

To Tom Gustin in honor of John Jacobson: What a hoot and thanks for your recollections that go far beyond mine --- another reason why this  site is so great for bringing back or bringing up memories about our past.

Kathleen Sidwell (Smullen)

Got an email from John's sister, Mary.

Just wanted to thank those who posted a comment regarding my brother its nice to hear things about him. Miss him mary jacobson his baby sister 

Tom Hansen

Sometimes it's difficult to believe some of the people we have lost over the years. John was one of them. A guy full of life and zaniness for sure. Like Tom Gustin mentioned John was one heck of a dancer and girls did flock about. I can attest to that over the years. I do remember some of the moments at the old YMCA, knock hockey, Cupie's hamburgers, Camp Anokijig and Tony's popcorn stand.

I am sure John had some down moments but all my recollections are of a guy with a zest for life, laughed a lot, and upbeat. Hard to believe he won't be at the reunion as it would have been a lot of fun and a lot of laughter for sure.

Charles Carothers

Just look at John's picture ... what a smile!  That says it all!  During all of my interactions with him, he had a quick wit, ready smile, and a focus on having fun.  I'm sure he had a positive impact on all the people that had the opportunity to meet him during his life.

Donald Piggins

As to John's smile, it was not only big and impish but he always reminded me of Howdy Doody, not that he particularily wanted me to remind him of that. Going back beyond Park High, we sat next to one another in Mr Lilgegrin's Mitchell choir, got so close to being kicked out at times but had the voices required for the concerts scheduled.

Never having danced with him, I didn't know that this was one of his attributes along with being a "chick magnet". Perhaps there can be a minute of weeping and wailing by the women he knew or knew him at our reunion.

My God, if we start that there will be no end to the evening (sadly) as so many good souls have departed. 

August '15 will be epic

Don Piggins