James Bret Jacobs Obituary

It is with a mix of sadness and understanding that we announce the passing of James Bret Jacobs, better known as 'Jim,' who left this world on March 28, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on August 26, 1962, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jim was a man of many layers, deeply human and complex, who will be remembered for both his struggles and his moments of joy.

Jim was a man of many talents. He had an incredible sense of humor that could light up a room, and his love for the water and boating was a constant throughout his life. A self-taught mechanic, Jim had a gift for fixing anything, a skill that earned him the admiration of those who knew him. While his internal conflicts sometimes made life challenging, his effort to care about his children never went unnoticed.

Jim is survived by his children, Jamie Chalakee and her husband Sam, Jesse Jacobs and his wife Ashley, and Jeremy Jacobs and his wife Nicole. Though his relationships with his children were complicated at times, they each have their own memories of him, which they will cherish forever.

He also leaves behind his nine grandchildren—Jesse Jacobs II, Dylan Jacobs, Jaelyn Jacobs, Vito Giordano IV, Alexia Jacobs, Jaxon Jacobs, Kaynen Jacobs, Annalee Chalakee, and Cooper Chalakee—who will remember him in their own unique ways.

Jim is also survived by his sister, Lisa Mayfield, and his nephews, Christopher Linker and Jordan Mayfield, as well as his niece, Alexandra Mayfield; and his ex-wife and the mother of his children, Janice Rictor Harrison.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Meeks, who passed before him, and his parents, James Robert Jacobs and Letha June Boman.

Jim will be remembered for the way he could connect with people, his ability to make others laugh, and his knowledge of all things mechanical. Though his life wasn't without hardship, he was, at his core, a man who tried, who loved, and who was always searching for peace.

A private service will be held at the family's request.