Jesse Warren Jacob was born on January 14, 1923, to Otis C. and Ida A. Jacob and departed this life on June 14, 2026, at the age of 103.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Jacob officiating. Burial will follow at Metropolis Memorial Gardens with military rites.

He was a proud veteran of World War II and served in the United States Navy as a Seabee from October 1943 to May 1946. After his discharge, he attended Quincy College in Illinois and, in 1948, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. During this time, he met the love of his life, Irma, and they were married on December 11, 1949.

They moved to Metropolis, Illinois, in 1953, where Jesse began his career with Electric Energy Inc. as a chemist. In 1956, he was promoted to Chemical Engineer and placed in charge of the EEI chemical department. In 1966, he was promoted to Supervisor of Plant Operations. In 1971, he was assigned responsibility for Environmental Affairs.

His community involvement included serving as president of the Massac County Mental Health Association; member of the Fort Massac Arts Association; member and vice president of the Ohio River Youth Service; member of the Metropolis Kiwanis Club; and member of the American Legion since the early 1950s.

Jesse accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior while attending Virden Presbyterian Church and served the Lord faithfully throughout his life. He was a faithful member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Metropolis for 66 years.

He is survived by three children: Paul (Mary Ann) Jacob of Marion, Illinois; Mary (Louis) Roberts of Gallatin, Tennessee; and Jon Jacob of Reno, Nevada; six grandchildren, Tim Roberts, Emily Salz, Matt Jacob, Sarah Crawford, Abby Flannery, and Rachel Ely; 15 great-grandchildren; his brother, Brennan Jacob; nephews, Norman and Terry Jacob; and many other family members and friends who loved and appreciated him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Irma Eileen Hendricks Jacob.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jesse’s memory to COPE Food Pantry, P.O. Box 761, Metropolis, Illinois 62960.

Pallbearers will be Carl Salz, Matt Jacob, Josh Flannery, Rodney Crawford, Jake Salz, and Luke Salz.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.