Obituary: Roger Francis Jacobs – Law Librarian of the Supreme Court of the United States and Professor of Law and Law Librarian at the University of Notre Dame.

Our condolences go out to famaily, friends & colleagues

 

Roger Francis Jacobs, age 87, of Terre Haute, IN, died at 1:40pm on April 17, 2024, at The Commons at Honey Creek in Terre Haute, IN. He was born January 1, 1937, in Detroit, MI, the son of Melvin and Florence Jacobs. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alice Jacobs.

Other survivors include his son, Stephen Jacobs of Terre Haute, IN, and his daughters, Magdalene Snyder (Tony) of Round Rock, TX, and Sarah Wurtz (Jim) of Terre Haute, IN; sisters, Myrna Kabalka (Walt), Janet Jacobs and Kathleen Cerda; brothers, Raymond Jacobs and Merritt Jacobs (Joan); many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Daniel Jacobs (Lynn) and Melvin Jacobs, Jr. (Sue).

Roger was a graduate of the University of Detroit and the University of Michigan where he earned B.A., M.L.S. and J.D. degrees. He was the consummate professional; his career as a law librarian spanned nearly five decades. He was especially proud of his time as the Law Librarian of the Supreme Court of the United States and Professor of Law and Law Librarian at the University of Notre Dame.

Roger was devoted to his family, affectionate, fun and loving. He was friendly, kind and generous. He was an avid Fighting Irish fan, having season tickets for Notre Dame football and men’s basketball. He derived great pleasure from music, golf and running. He enjoyed travel, venturing across the United States, living in England, and even traveling to Belarus and South Africa for work. And he was an accomplished handyman, even DIY kitchen renovator.

Roger and Alice were faithful members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend, IN. He served for many years as president of their parish’s Conference. His commitment to helping the disadvantaged was firmly rooted in his belief that he could see Christ in every person.

There will be visitation at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th Street in Terre Haute, IN, on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. His ashes will be interred in Cedar Grove Cemetery on the campus of Notre Dame.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to:

SVdP Society – St. Joseph Parish

711 E. Colfax

South Bend, IN. 46617

https://www.southbendtribune.com/obituaries/psbn0804573