July 21, 2005

The loss of one of Almaden’s finest

Christo Jacobs, 49, dies of colon cancer

By Susan Collins
Special to the Times

Chris Jacobs will be remembered for his dedication to his children, including Michael [now 16] both on and off the field.

There are not enough people in this world like Christo Jacobs. It truly was an honor to know him as a friend and as a fellow coach.

Almaden was blessed to have him in our community until he died a week after his 49th birthday from colon cancer. Even during the last few months of pain and suffering, Chris kept his positive and optimistic personality.

Chris is the father of Kristina, Nicole and Michael. He not only cared and loved his children, but everyone he came in contact with. He genuinely loved people and enjoyed being involved with the community, especially Almaden Little League, where he coached for years, whether it was on the board or helping out wherever he could. He was a wonderful role model to the players and other coaches. He truly believed that baseball was all about the kids having fun, and not just about winning.

Our community has lost one of it’s finest, but still has an opportunity to express their gratitude. Chris’s daughters are in their early 20s and are doing well, but his son Michael is only 16.

In honor of the father, coach, and friend, several coaches have set up a trust fund for Michael in his father’s memory. Anyone interested may make contributions at a Bank of America, account number: 11513-40446.

Susan Collins is an Almaden Valley resident.

My friend Chris

By Jeff Martarano
Special to the Times

This is not a good-bye, but I’ll see you later!

If you believe in God, as I do, then you believe in angels. Well, I believe God has the man to fit the mold of an angel. Chris Jacob was a man of love for his family as well as his friends, neighbors. He cared for everyone! In fact, the last words he spoke to me were “Jeff, I love ya, take care of yourself.” Chris also lived by his honor and integrity.

Chris and I began our relationship on the baseball field several years ago by accident. Chris and his son MJ showed up to the right field but came over to the wrong teams practice. I was very impressed with MJ’s ability to play baseball and his parents seem to great people. It wasn’t until the end of our practice we realized they were not on our team. Chris calmly said, “Don’t worry about a thing,” and he went over to the other team to explain to them the situation. Chris walked back over to our practice with his famous big smile and said, “I took care of it.” The rest is history!

Throughout our many years of coaching together we became very good friends. The kids and parents loved to be around him on and off the field. Chris was very good for me as person and a coach. He taught me the importance of putting the kids first. Winning is second! It was a very difficult task for Chris to teach me, because of me being so competitive by nature, I had them in the other order. We won several Championships together between league play and all-stars and Chris never ever forgot to put the kids first. I respect him so much for that! And I love him for never giving up on me. I'm now a better coach and person because I have a piece of my friend inside of me.

Thanks Chris, love ya and I’ll see you later!

Your friend,
Jeff