Frederick R. Jacobs

Frederick R. Jacobs, 84, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on August 17, 2026, surrounded by JT, Jan, and family friend Josh Boggs.

Fred was born December 8, 1941, in Circleville, Ohio, to Thomas and Margene Jacobs. He graduated from high school in Springfield, Ohio, and began his career with International Harvester on Sullivant Avenue in Columbus in the late 1960s. The company later became Navistar and relocated to Springfield, where Fred continued working until his retirement in 2002. Fred also had a home and portable welding service, often providing assistance to local farmers.

Fred served four years in the United States Air Force. He was a member of Mt. Sterling Grand Lodge No. 269, a life member of American Legion Post 417 and AMVETS Post 2256, a member of the Wounded Warrior Project, Arbor Day Foundation, and the Good Guys. He also proudly participated in and donated annually to the Honor Flight Columbus, Inc. fundraiser through Auto Smarts Radio.

Those who knew Fred will remember him for his short, to-the-point demeanor and the many one-off remarks he made that often resulted in plenty of laughs. He had a way of saying exactly what was on his mind, usually in a way that people remembered.

Fred had a lifelong love of cars, motorsports, and tinkering. In his younger years, he participated in garden tractor and mini tractor pulling. He owned a 1934 Ford Sedan show car and attended countless car shows, with the goal of collecting 300 trophies—a goal he proudly surpassed. More recently, he purchased a T-bucket, which became his latest project to tinker with during the past couple of winters.

In his later years, Fred slowed down from the car shows and took to the water. He enjoyed spending time on a pontoon boat, and for the past two years he and his good friend Josh Boggs kept the pontoon docked at Deer Creek, where they enjoyed many evenings floating and enjoying the water.

Fred also discovered a love of gardening in recent years. He took great pride in caring for the many flowers and plants he placed throughout his property, creating an abundance of color that he enjoyed tending to and showing off.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Margene Jacobs; his wife, Charlotte Jacobs; and his former girlfriend, Ann Green.

He is survived by his children, son Jon Jacobs and daughter Jan Jacobs; granddaughters, Charlotte Jacobs and Jaelyn Jacobs; and numerous special friends whom he consistently counted on and who meant a great deal to him.

The family would like to express their deepest and heartfelt appreciation to Josh Boggs, Jimmy Fox, Beverly Burkhart, Kim Culp, Bill Warner, Jessica Gray, and American Legion Post 417 staff for the extended stays, care, daily meals, prayers, and companionship they provided during Fred's final days. Because of their help, along with the support of Ohio's Hospice, Fred was able to remain at home, just as he wished.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 19, 2026, at Fred and Charlotte's headstone. The service will be officiated by Bill Warner.

Following the service, the family will gather at American Legion Post 417 to watch the Buckeyes football game. All are welcome to stop in and join the family in remembering Fred. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family and the many friends who shared his life, his laughter, his projects, and his adventures.

Porter-Tidd Funeral Home assisted the Jacobs family.