Chuck Jacobs found a way to be with his kids and still teach, which he loved, and have fun at the same time. He became a coach of basketball bitty league.  I was 5 years old and playing basketball with my dad as the coach.  Boy was I bad, as I remember.  But he played basketball with me for most of my life at home.  When we lived in Exeter we had an old hoop on the side of an old rusty shed.  The ground was dirt and pretty even. We played many years. When I went to high school, I made the All-State All-Star Team! Thanks Dad!

My Dad would play me chess for months.  He would beat me and then one day I started beating him.  I played so hard that I would get headaches trying to think like 5 to 6 moves ahead for everypiece.  I remember we played a grand masters contest, the best out of 7 games. It took forever and I don't remember who one, but I can say NO-ONE, I have played my entire life has ever beat me at chess.  I taught my kids to play, but not to the level my Dad did. I have not had to play to the level of hurting my head! I like playing my kids because it is fun to teach them. Caleb has beat me once.

Thanks for the Great Father examples. Finding time to play me even when working 2 jobs.

Dad and Mom made Christmas a thing of wonder!  Christmas Eve we all got to open one present that was preselected, We read the Christmas Story and then went to bed.  The Tree hardly had any presents under it for Christmas Eve. Dad and Mom would spend alot of time from that point on bringing presents hiddin in different spots all over the house. They would have so many presents that they would have a 10 foot circle around the tree of presents.  When we woke up the next day and came downstairs we knew we were the luckiest kids in the world! We would have many presents for each of us. We would then take turns and see what each person got. It would take forever. After opening the presents we would drive to Grandmas hours and have a feast with the entire family. I to try to give that same treat to my children. We just can't drive to Grandma house each Christmas because we live across the USA. I see how fun it is doing the same thing to my kids. The fun and excitement they have opening presents.  Dad and Mom would normally get a Big family present too.  It is fun to follow the model Dad gave me. It keep Christ in the center of it all.  

This is a picture of DAD and MOM and her side if the family. Grandmother Gibson sitting in the middle with the braided hair she always had.  She brushed it everynight 100 times she said.  Grandpa Willey Gibson in the middle with Steve Jacobs. Looks like Karen Jacobs sitting on Dad's lap, and me reaching out. Babies are probably Doug and Vance. Gibson Girls are Anna left, Betty, Billie or Donna, and Dina. Ken and Jeff Nibblet

When Larry was born he had a rare blood disease. He was not to live very long.  Dad figured out how to work and get the best insurance so that he could provide the care Larry needed.  Monthly transfusion and monthly doctor visits.  We were still able to have fun as kids even with the constant trips to the hospital for Larry. As I grow older with kids that have NO physical problems, I am still overwhelmed by the doctor, dentist visits with only 3 kids. I had a great role model to follow.  My Dad was a devote Christian that tried to raise us with all the turmoil that was in his life most of his younger years. The jobs and goals he set always had his family protection and medical support in mind. I remember helping him pick Larry’s casket and he wanted to get the White Ivory most expensive one, and I reminded him, “He is in heaven so it doesn’t matter and save your money to celebrate the time you had with him” I was married and no kids at the time and still did not truely understand all the hardships Mom an Dad went through.  Everything seemed good. As I look back and remember we did so much with so little and how I have much more and do so little. I need to make sure I do more with my kids, and follow the example Dad gave me. Miss you Larry and Dad

As I write several stories about what I remember through the life of my Dad. I recall a time that we moved to different places around California.  When we lived in Woodlake Ca, I was 4 and Larry was just about to be born. I remember as a kid of the age of 4 we depended on Steve and Karen for fun.  They would take us to a pool in woodlake in the summer. I remember a hugh accident during one walk from the pool where a motorcycle guy was hit and flew and hit a telephone pole. We got out of there after that. During this time my Dad was hardly there. He was teaching as a teacher and working in the post office and going to school to support the 5 kids. His goal was to improve himself so he could make a better living for his family. This was 1964. I do remember that he had very close freinds with the neighbors and people that would visit us.  Then we moved to Reedley CA, for the summer job as plant manager. From there we moved to Napomo, CA, and then to Farmersville CA, then Exeter CA, then Hughson CA, then Ceres CA, then Chowchilla CA, then Trinity CA, then Paradise CA where he passed away.  Each city and school was greatly affected by his touch.