Oswego High School special education teacher and soccer coach Michael Jacobs, 41, passed away Dec. 18, 2023. He resided in Riverside, Illinois.
His Celebration of Life was on Jan. 6, 2024, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Riverside Village Hall, 27 Riverside Drive, on the second floor.
“I would say that Mr. Jacobs had an amazing sense of humor and could make anyone laugh about anything,” Special Education Department Chair Cara Brown said. “He was also very compassionate about others, wanting to make sure everybody else was doing the best they could.”
He is survived by his wife Jessie Weller, his children Jason, Aria, and Ellie, his mother Susan, his siblings Tom and Meredith, and other family members, including nieces and nephews.
“Mr. Jacobs was one of the funniest people I ever met. [[…]] He was very very kind, and a very genuine person. He was a huge advocate for his students as well,” Special Education Department Chair Julie Daniels said.
Jacobs worked in the Special Education Department and will be missed by all who knew him, especially his student-athletes and colleagues, who still keep fond memories of him in their hearts.
“[O]ne of my [memories], besides the constant jokes and poking fun at me in an appropriate way, [is that] we also had silly secret handshakes that we would do, and that was always entertaining,” Brown said.
The Oswego School District shared the news with students and families through CatapultCONNECT. In addition to offering support on Dec. 19 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., the district expressed their condolences.
“Mr. Jacobs was a positive role model, an advocate for all students, a supportive colleague, and friend. He was a passionate and caring teacher and coach, helping all students feel special and valued,” the email said. “We send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. Mr. Jacobs will be missed by the entire Oswego High School community.”
“I can’t speak enough volumes for that man. I only knew him for four months, and for someone to make such an impact on me, only knowing him for four months, just speaks to his character and who he was as a human being, as an educator, and as a really wonderful person to be around,” Daniels said.
Hello, I'm Gianna! This is my second year on staff, now as a senior in high school. I'm the head of the News and Artwork sections. I'm currently in Color Guard, B.I.O.N.I.C, NAHS, NEHS, Quill & Scroll Honors Society, and Senior Class Council!
