Proverb G. Jacobs, Jr., Ed.D5/25/1935 - 4/18/2016
Proverb was 18 months old when his family moved to Oakland. He attended Oakland public schools, excelling in football and track. After graduating from Oakland Tech, he went to Modesto J.C. and later Cal Berkeley.
From 1958 to 1963, Jake played for The Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Titans, the New York Giants, and the Oakland Raiders. During this period, he married, had a son, attended Cal and worked at the Probation Department. In 1964, Proverb met Bill Walsh, a new assistant football coach at Cal. A few years later, Bill became the coach of the Continental's League's San Jose' Apaches and Jake his defensive coordinator.
By 1968, Jake had finished his Masters' degree, was teaching at Laney Community College, working on his doctorate and helping raise his son, Proverb G. Jacobs III.
In June of 1973, Jake married Mimi Johnson of Columbus, Ohio, becoming a father to her son, Stephen Mayle. He continued to teach and coach at Laney J.C. – eventually giving up football coaching for Track and Field. During this decade and the next, he coached and mentored several track athletes at Laney College in Oakland including James Robinson, a world class middle distance runner.
In the early 80s, after being named coach of the 49ers, Bill Walsh asked Jake to accept a scouting position with the team that Bill turned into a dynasty. Bill dedicated his book, Building a Champion, to Proverb.
After a lifetime of coaching, teaching, and parenting, Jake retired and began work on his autobiography, which he self-published in late 2014. Jake is survived by his wife Mimi, sons "Jay" and Stephen and their spouses/partners Jan & Della; grandchildren Rachael, Erin & PJ and a host of nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.
There will be a public viewing/quiet hour at Fouche's Hudson Funeral Home, 3665 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland on Saturday, 4/23/16 from 11:30am-4:00pm, a Celebration of Life at the Student Union, 2495 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA, Tilden Room, Sunday 4/24/16 from 5-8pm, and Graveside service and interment on Monday 4/25/16 at 11:00am.
Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Apr. 23, 2016
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