John Bruce Jacobs Sr. was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 2, 1931, and passed quietly and peacefully at his home in Blanchester, Ohio, on July 12, 2026.

John was a landscape architect and co-owner of John B. Jacobs and Son Nurseries.

John graduated from Withrow High School in 1949, where he excelled in cross-country running. He went on to attend The Ohio State University, where he continued his success in cross-country and studied horticulture. He began his career specializing in orchids at the Krohn Conservatory before becoming a premier landscape architect with the Natorp's Company, where he worked for more than 25 years. These accomplishments led him to establish his own business, John B. Jacobs and Son Nurseries, in Blanchester, Ohio. John and his company have been respected throughout southern Ohio and northern Kentucky for more than 45 years.

John was an Eagle Scout and served as a Scoutmaster in Madeira, Ohio, for several years during the 1970s. Through these experiences, he developed a lifelong love of nature, which inspired him to share that passion with his community and, most importantly, his family.

He was an active member of Madeira Presbyterian Church and later Second Creek Methodist Church in Blanchester, Ohio.

He is survived by his son, John Bruce Jacobs Jr. (Susan); his daughter, Sheryl Ann Keighley (Robert); his grandson, J.D. Keighley (Jenny); his granddaughters, Molly Connolly (Matthew), Amy Lamb (Tony), Katy Dawley (Zach), and Amanda Jacobs (Kyle); 18 great-grandchildren; and, finally, his best friend and faithful four-legged companion, Ned.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Norman Howard Jacobs, and his beloved wife of 71 years, Shirley Jean (Fangmeyer) Jacobs.

John was known for his warm, outgoing personality and his compassion for helping others. He was a gifted storyteller and a teacher of all things related to nature. When asked the secret to a long and successful life, he would simply say, "Do for others when you can, and enjoy a good cigar and an Old Fashioned every day."

Memorial contributions may be made to: Marion Township Cemetery Fund, 3116 Westboro Rd., Blanchester, OH 45107.

The family will gather for a Celebration of Life at a later date.