Phillip Jacobus

Phillip Roy Jacobus, aged 89, died peacefully under Hospice care on September 19, 2023. He had been battling an illness for two months prior to his death. Phil was born in Highland Park, Illinois, to his parents Roy and Elizabeth Jacobus. The family later moved to Plymouth, Michigan, where Phil spent much of his early life. Phil graduated from Plymouth High School in 1951, where he excelled academically and athletically, having earned six varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball. Phil’s family often enjoyed summer trips to the Glen Lake area in northern Michigan.

Phil attended the University of Michigan where he graduated with a degree in business in 1955, and then went on to earn a law degree in 1958. He was granted prestigious membership to the University of Michigan Law Review. While at Michigan, Phil met fellow U of M student Cherry Harris on a blind date. The couple married in 1958 and moved to Grand Rapids where they spent their entire married life together and raised Karla, Karen, Kristen, and Paul, their four children.

Following graduation, Phil practiced law in Detroit and Grand Rapids for three years before being hired by Hartger and Willard Mortgage Association, Incorporated, in the early 1960s. This company specialized in commercial and residential financing throughout the state of Michigan and beyond. Phil spent 36 years with the company and served as Vice President and retired as President. Colleagues often commented on Phil’s skill as a businessman, his strong work ethic, and the caring and respectful manner in which he interacted with people.

Phil was always active in the community and had many professional affiliations. He was a member of the Porter Hills Board of Directors for 9 years, an active member of the Republican Party, and a member of the Wiseman’s Club in Grand Rapids. Phil also volunteered to coach sports for his children on multiple occasions.

Phil was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for most of his adult life. In addition to being a faithful attendee at weekly services, Phil served as Elder, Deacon, member of the Board of Trustees at least two times, and member of the Camp Henry Board at least two times as well.

Phil had many interests outside of church and work. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed reading the daily edition of the Wall Street Journal. He also loved reading mysteries and would frequently retire to his favorite chair and immerse himself in the likes of John Grisham, James Patterson, and Harlan Coben.

Phil was a life-long dog lover and one of his favorite routines for many years was taking the family dog on multiple walks throughout the day. Generations of family dogs were drawn to Phil’s calming voice and gentle touch. Phil was sometimes known to draw pictures of the family dog doing “human like” things that often aroused laughter with the family. In recent years, Phil enjoyed numerous visits from his granddogs, including on the day of his passing.

Phil was very active and exercised every day, even in his later years. He was known for his morning stretching routine, but also jogged (as a younger man), walked, and lifted weights. Probably his most favorite form of exercise was swimming. He loved swimming in the waters of Kimball Lake, the Gulf of Mexico, Westboro Lake, and the local MVP. One relative recently commented, “I think I remember Phil being in the water more than out of the water.”

Phil will forever be known as “Denny” by many family members, especially his grandchildren. This nickname originated as a playful comparison to the comic strip “Dennis the Menace” many years ago. Visitors (family or not) were treated to “Denny Boot Camp” as Phil wanted to make sure his guests enjoyed themselves and had everything they needed.

Certain places had special significance for Phil. He never lost his affection for the Traverse City and Glen Lake area where he visited as a kid. The family reunion at the Bayshore Resort was a family tradition that went on for over 25 years. Phil loved spending time at the family cottage on Kimball Lake in Newaygo, Michigan. Swimming, fishing, pontoon boat rides, and reading were all part of his chosen routine. Phil also enjoyed spending time at their residence in Naples, Florida. One of Phil’s favorite hobbies in Naples was painting, and he developed into a very accomplished artist. His chosen medium was oil and the topics of his paintings were the places he loved.

Throughout his life, Phil developed several very special friendships in all the places he frequented. These friendships in Grand Rapids, Naples, and Kimball Lake enhanced Phil’s enjoyment of life and provided support during difficult times. Phil was able to have contact with most of these people during the last few weeks of his life.

Phil was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Elizabeth Jacobus, brother Ken Jacobus, sister-in-law Ginger Jacobus, son Colin, daughter Karla, brother-in-law Bob Harris, sister-in-law Carolyn Harris. Phil is survived by Cherry, his wife of 65 years, daughters Karen Baxter and Kristen Heckendorn (Steve), son Paul (Cindy), grandchildren Casey Wilson (Ronny), Matt Baxter, Kate Hanson (Chantry), James Heckendorn, Grace Heckendorn, Gillian Young, Graham Young, great-grandchildren Liam Wilson, Shepard Wilson, brother-in-law, Lee Harris (Maria), nephew Jesse Harris (Jessica) and family, niece Mandy Harris (Denise Hagerla), niece Christy Myers (Todd) and family, niece Debbie Case (Jon) and family, nephew Ted Jacobus (Dawn) and family, nephew Jack Scarborough (Julie) and family, and niece Debbie Scarborough (David) and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Camp Henry Jacobus Scholarship Fund, Westminster Presbyterian Church Trust Fund, or to the Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

A celebration of Phil’s life will take place on Friday, October 20, at 11:00 at Westminster Presbyterian Church with refreshments immediately following the service. The family will greet guests with a visitation at 10:00 prior to the service.

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