“True Gentleman” Tom Jacobs Passes Away

Professional poker player Tom Jacobs, described by a friend as “a fierce competitor and a true gentleman,” passed away on March 11, 2007 at the age of 61.

Jacobs was not well known to the casual poker fan, but he had droves of friends in the poker world. Regarded as a kind and generous person with a “bigger than life” laugh, he was the rare player who opponents didn’t seem to mind losing to.

Jacobs won one World Series of Poker bracelet in the 2003 $3,000 limit hold’em event. He came inches away from the holy grail in 1992, coming in second to Hamid Dastamalchi in the WSOP Main Event. He had 17 other WSOP cashes and other several final table finishes, including the 1986 Main Event and two runner-up finishes in 1995 and 2003 preliminary events. To fans of television poker, however, the lasting image of Tom Jacobs may be his unflagging support for his son, Ken, as Ken made a deep run in the 2006 WSOP Main Event, finishing 62nd. Tom could be seen cheering on and supporting his son every step of the way and was obviously a very proud father when Ken was finally eliminated.

In an online guestbook accompanying Tom Jacobs’ obituary, several poker pros wrote tributes to their friend. One of the most touching was from 1994 WSOP champ, Russ Hamilton, who wrote, “Tommy was so much fun just to be around. Never a bad word to say about anyone. He was always trying to help his friends and family. I played many hours of poker with Tommy and we had many great conversations about life. He was instramental (sic) in changing my life from the poker tables to going out in the busuness (sic) world and being successful (sic). I will always remember Tommy and that great smile he had at the poker table as he raked my money in. I speak for everyone in the poker world when I say---Tommy, you will be missed.”

Other poker notables among those friends who wrote messages were Marsha Waggoner, Brad Daugherty, and David Plastik.

Tom Jacobs is survived by his wife Theresa, children Ken and Amie, sisters Pam and Charlene, and seven grandchildren.

His obituary and guest book can be visited here.

Originally published 3:27 PM Tuesday, March 20, 2007