John Raymond Jacobus

John Raymond Jacobus, affectionately known as “Jake” to his friends, passed away on May 25, 2025, in Santa Barbara, California, at the age of 68.

Born on October 26, 1956, in East Orange, New Jersey, John was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was predeceased by his father, John Jacobus, and his brother-in-law, James Tassinaro. He is survived by his mother, Constance Jacobus of Tamarac, Florida; his sister, Diane Tassinaro; his nieces, Jennifer Stieber (Husband Douglas) and Kimberly Mertz (Husband Patrick); and his great-niece and great-nephew, Addison and Ethan Stieber — all of Pennsylvania. He will be dearly missed by his family and those fortunate enough to have known him.

While his family called him John, he was known to many as Jake — a man with a deep passion for music, architecture, and travel. Jake grew up in New Jersey, where his love for music took root. A talented multi-instrumentalist, he played clarinet, saxophone, drums and many others. His musical journey took him across Europe as a student where his love of travel began. He later joined the US Navy where he spent time on the USS Bainbridge and even did a tour on a submarine only further deepening his love of traveling the world.

Jake earned a BS in Construction Management and MS in Urban and Regional Planning and spent much of his life doing work he loved as an architect. He lived in Florida and Texas before settling in California — his favorite place — where he spent the last 24 years of his life in Santa Barbara. There, he worked for the city in historical planning until his early retirement due to health concerns.

Though he retired from professional life, Jake never retired from his passions. He remained an enthusiastic lover of music, a student of historical architecture, and a man with an enduring curiosity about the world.

At the family’s request, no public funeral or memorial services will be held. A private gathering will be held for immediate family at a later date.

In honor of Jake’s life and service, donations may be made in his name to: Santa Barbara Trust for Historical Preservation https://www.sbthp.org/donate