Leon Jacobs, 92, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away on Dec. 26, 2014, at St. Luke’s Hospital, a day before his 52nd anniversary to his loving wife, Maggie Smalley Jacobs. Fortunately, they had been able to enjoy a 50th anniversary two years ago with a smashing party at the Carriage Club. Marilynn Maye, who sang at their wedding in 1961, was able to perform for their anniversary party; and Marilyn sang their favorite song, “Make Someone Happy.”
Leon was born in Kansas City on April 11, 1922, to Gussie Dolginow and Harry Jacobs. Leon spent his grade school days at Border Star, and graduated from Southwest High School. Leon was active in sports at Southwest, such as basketball, tennis and golf. Golf became his favorite sport of all, winning many trophies in Kansas City. Leon graduated from UMKC in economics. After graduating from college, Leon served in the military. After the military, Leon went to work for his father, the real estate mogul, Harry Jacobs at Brookside Realty Company. He started with building small homes and apartment buildings, and ended up with shopping center strip malls. Leon and his wife Maggie lived a life of great joy together, traveling to Europe, Palm Beach, New York and the Bahamas, with a home on Singer Island, Fla., for 40 years, where they kept their boat “Take Five” and traveled many times to many parts of the Bahamas — Mr. Leon at the wheel—“Captain Leon.” They took many jazz cruises, where the two enjoyed their favorite kind of music.
Leon was a member of Oakwood Country Club most of his life and enjoyed his golfing at the club along with various dinners and parties. He was a stockholder on the board of directors at Country Club Bank for over 20 years. Leon and his wife were very active in the Symphony organizations, The Nelson Gallery, Friends of Art, the Kemper Gallery and the Block Gallery, and very active with the Conservatory of Music, but especially with The Jazz Friends of UMKC.
He was also a member of the Palm Beach Yacht Club for 20 years.
Survivors include his loving wife Maggie, his son Jeffrey Paul Jacobs and his wife Elaine and two grandchildren, Jackson and Connor; his daughter Joy Jacobs and partner Lisa, and grandson Hudson Jacobs. He is also survived by his brother Morton Jacobs, and his daughters Julie Sizemore and Patty Settle; and of course his favorite lil’ buddies Cassie and Charlie.
The family wishes to thank, Basilio Pou — “Mister Pou” — for his dedicated care and friendship for the last 14 years.
A celebration of Leon’s life will be held at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UMKC Jazz Foundation, Leon Jacobs Scholarship Fund, 5100 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO 64110; The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, 5801 W. 115th St., #201, Overland Park, KS 66211; or The American Heart Association, 6800 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, KS 66212.