Ronald Jaye Jacobs' Obituary
OBITUARY
Ronald Jacobs, also known more affectionately as “Ron”, was born on February 6, 1952 in Bakersfield, CA to Jesse and Ethel Mae Jacobs. Their first born and eldest son, Ron has three siblings: Carolyn, Rodney, and Jesse.
After moving from Bakersfield, Ron grew up in Watts, CA. He attended 116th Street Elementary School and later Gompers Junior High. An avid reader since he was young, Ron excelled in school, and graduated 5th in his Locke High School graduating class with several prestigious universities reaching out to him including Stanford. He also attended Compton Community College and Los Angeles City College.
His first son, Ron Jr., was born December 21,1969.
Ron began working at KHJ television station in 1973. In 1974, he completed a Radio/Telephone FCC license certification at Don Martin’s School of Broadcasting. Shortly after, Ron began his career as a Broadcast Studio Technician for KHJ in Los Angeles. As a studio technician he was in charge of both camera and audio for both live and tape-recorded shows.
His second son, Michael, was born on August 31, 1981.
In 1987, Ron transitioned in his career to being a sports producer, editor and writer. During his time as a sports producer, Ron developed and executed several high production value ideas for the Los Angeles Lakers, and professional athlete video profiles which aired on both newscasts and live sporting events.
It was at KHJ that Ron met Mona Evans. They married on December 14, 1991 in Los Angeles, CA. On August 12, 1994 they welcomed their daughter Clarke Selena Jacobs into the world. Ron and Mona were happily married for 32 years.
Over the course of his career as a producer, Ron produced profiles that featured the likes of Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Rick Fox, Derek Fisher, and many more. He won over 9 Emmys for his work on multiple projects. Ron worked for KCAL and later CBS Studios for over 40 years until his retirement in May 2019.
A true renaissance man, Ron had many interests and hobbies. Ron’s love for reading continued into adulthood and he could always be found either with a book or with headphones in his ears—even at the dinner table— listening to his latest audible subscription. His favorite author was Stephen King. Ron was also a prolific writer and wrote multiple works of fiction in his spare time throughout his lifetime. In 1992, he won the Mt. Sac Writer’s Festival Award for Fiction. This award hangs above his desk in his office to this day. When Ron wasn’t at home, he also enjoyed hunting with his family, visiting the shooting range, building his own firearms, and camping. Ron was also an avid gamer and spent much of his free time playing a myriad of games both on the computer and on video game consoles. His daughter credits her love for video gaming and competitive spirt when it comes to gaming to her father. Ron was also a huge fan of portrait and landscape photography He enjoyed being both in front and behind the camera taking pictures of others.
Ronald Jacobs, 71, passed away on January 13, 2024 in Covina, CA with his wife and daughter by his side. He was preceded in death by his father Jesse Jacobs. His legacy lives on through his sons, Ron Jr. and Michael, and his daughter Clarke. He is remembered in love by his wife Mona Jacobs, mother Ethel Pair, siblings Rodney, Carolyn and Jesse Jacobs Jr, grandson Montrell, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He will be missed dearly and was truly one of a kind.
What’s your fondest memory of Ronald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ronald?
Share a story where Ronald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ronald you’ll never forget.
How did Ronald make you smile?
