Jack L. Jacobs

Jack L. Jacobs, a man whose zest for life could only be matched by his love for the "three F's" - Food, Fishing, and "Fotography" - has left us with a legacy of laughter, creativity, and inspiration. Born on November 21, 1943, in Garden City, KS, Jack's journey took him from humble beginnings to the heights of creative and entrepreneurial success. On March 25, 2025, at the age of 81, Jack cast his final line into the sunset in Wichita, KS, surrounded by loving family and friends. In 1977, he married the love of his life, Linda Parmiter-Jacobs, and together they built a family that included their sons, Matthew (Katie) Jacobs of Mulvane, KS, Tony (Jamie) Jacobs of Benton, KS, and a quartet of grandchildren: Caroline, Bo, Lawson, and Jack Douglas (JD), each carrying a piece of their grandfather's indomitable spirit. Jack's sister, Dinah Caldwell, along with a parade of nieces and nephews, can attest to his love and dedication. His storied life was one for the books, or more fittingly, for a photo album. After graduating with a Bachelor of Photographic Arts in Illustrative Photography from The Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, California in 1969, Jack didn't just step into the world of photography; he leapt into it with both feet and a camera around his neck. He started his career in Wichita as the Director of Audio-Visual Development with the Institute of Logopedics in 1970, but it wasn't long before his entrepreneurial spirit and creative eye led him to establish his own photography business. Jack's lens captured everything from the sleek lines of aircraft to the delicious allure of a well-topped pizza, making him a renowned commercial photographer across the country in the 80’s and 90’s. His work was more than a job; it was an adventure, with each assignment a new chapter in his own epic tale. He dangled from small aircraft for the perfect shot over mountains, climbed arena chutes while capturing the cowboys and dust at the National Rodeo Finals, and even brought the glamour of the MISS USA Pageants to life through his photographs. His work was a passport to the nation, taking him to 49 states, where he left a trail of developed film and captured memories. Jack's love for the art of film photography was as undying as his disdain for digital - choosing to retire with his darkroom dignity intact. But as one door closed, another opened, shifting his work from the visual to the culinary when he launched Y'et Yet Gourmet Foods in 1998. For over 20 years, he spiced up lives with his salsas and charmed his foodie fans with his chili blends and BBQ sauce, proving that his creativity knew no bounds. His products, like his photographs, told a story. One that began in local markets and spread across the United States, earning him a loyal customer base and placement in hundreds of specialty stores and markets over the years. His passion for the outdoors, from bird dogs to bowhunting, was infectious. He was always happy pursuing these lifelong hobbies and he took immense pride in sharing and passing on his love for hunting and fishing. He was a man who understood that life, much like fishing, was about the tales you could tell. Every year, he cherished the family fishing trips to Northwest Ontario, where the fish were almost as big as his stories. Creative, passionate, and as handy as they come, Jack was the kind of guy who could fix a leaky faucet with one hand and snap a one-in-a-million shot with the other. To know Jack was to experience life in technicolor, with each day a canvas for his creativity and passion. His legacy is not just in the images he captured or the flavors he crafted, but in the laughter and love he will be remembered by. As we bid farewell, we celebrate a life splendidly lived. From the soft click of a camera shutter to the sizzle of the griddle, from the whisper of a fishing line to the laughter of his loved ones, Jack's life was a masterpiece, a testament to the beauty of fully embracing one's passions. He may have left the frame, but his vibrant legacy will continue to color our world for years to come. So, here's to Jack - a man who showed us that the best things in life start with "F," especially when you add a fourth one: Family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Kansas Wildscape Foundation, 1027 Washington Rd., Ste. B, Newton, KS 67114. Arrangements in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.