Benjamin Patrick Jacobs Jr.'s Obituary
JACOBS, Benjamin, Patrick Jr., (“Pat”) 85, passed away on September 16, 2024. Born in Tucson, AZ on March 5, 1939 at the Stork’s Nest.
Ben attended Tucson High School before leaving to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He received the National Defense Service Medal and later attended the University of Arizona on the G.I. bill. He was preceded in death by son, Benjamin Patrick Jacobs, III, parents Benjamin Sr. and Carlota Arreola Jacobs, and sister Leova Carrasco. Survived by wife Bette (married 61 years), daughters Jordana (Ron), Suzanne (Roberto), Elaine and Theresa. Grandchildren: Gilbert, Brian, Kristen Islas; Joseph and Robert Desjardin. Great-grandchildren: Carter, Teagan, Logan and Gianna Islas. Also survived by sisters, Yolanda and Evelyn, and brother, Michael G. Jacobs, Sr., brother-in-law Frank (Edissa) Howe, sister-in-law Priscilla (Ernesto) Romero, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ben is a multi-generational Tucsonan and descendant of the pioneering Carrillo and Jacobs families. He began working at an early age growing up in downtown Tucson on Council Street, shining shoes, delivering papers, and later bartending at El Casino Ballroom, which was co-owned by his father. Ben worked for many years for Tucson Newspapers in circulation management. He also co-founded Pan America Federal Savings and Loan, the first and only minority-led financial institution in Arizona at the time it was established.
He served for several years as a Board member and Chairman of the Board with a core group of local Hispanic leaders, serving the minority community of Tucson.
He retired from Arizona state government with his last assignment working for Department of Economic Security. After retiring from DES, he purchased undeveloped land in St. David, Arizona and became a rancher. He was actively involved in the VFW-Veterans of Foreign Wars, Benson-post, serving as Commander and Quartermaster. During his tenure, the post was recognized at the national level for outstanding community service.
Ben will be remembered most for his sense of humor and love for his family. The family wishes to thank the excellent staff of Soulistic Hospice.
Memorial mass will be held Tuesday, September 24, at Santa Cruz Catholic Church, 1220 S. Sixth Avenue at 1:00 p.m. Rosary to be recited at 12:30 p.m. Interment to follow at Evergreen Mortuary and Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Rd.
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