Bob Jacobsen wouldn’t want me to make a big fuss over his death, but I’m going to do it, anyway.

Sorry, big boy.

Jake passed away on Sunday (May 26) after a lengthy battle with cancer. He leaves behind a loving family and as many memorable stories as he had friends and former colleagues from around the country.

Jake was a tough guy. Few men were tougher. It was evident during his last days, and it was appropriate that he passed on Memorial Day weekend. He was a member of the U.S. Marines, and served his country in Vietnam.

If you were or still are a media member who was around over the last 40-plus years, you will remember Jake.

He began as a sportswriter for The Arizona Republic, was sports information director at the University of Arizona, media relations director for Phoenix International Raceway, sports editor of The Republic and an editor for the Arizona State University alumni magazine.

He brought forth a wealth of expertise in these areas over the years, but many probably didn’t realize what a fan and friend of high school sports he was.

Many Friday nights would be spent walking up and down football sidelines, often with good buddy and newspaper colleague Tim Tyers. The debates about these games and other issues of the day were among the most colorful you could imagine. He also attended various other sporting events and as an editor knew what having high school sports in the paper meant to the athletes, parents and fans.

Jake could have a tough exterior at times, but he had a heart of gold. He was a friend and mentor to many aspiring young journalists, including me when I began my career at The Republic back in the day. There were times when I was disappointed and discouraged and would call him for advice. He always seemed to know how to handle every situation, encouraging me and telling me to stay the course.

He also was a high school athlete in the Valley, playing baseball as an outfielder at Phoenix Washington. He once stole home in a game against Phoenix West (now closed), and talked about the “fast wheels’’ he had that created such a play.

I also joined another late former newspaper colleague, Bob Eger, in a game of two-on-two hoops against Jake and former ASU baseball player Rick Valley in old Sun Devil Gym.

Jake guarded me, and tried to keep me under control by grabbing the elastic waistband of my shorts. Notice I said tried. We always shared some good laughs about that.

He also was there through some of the tears, such as when I had a couple of heart procedures. He went the extra mile.

During many of his discussions, Jake would counter his fellow debater with a one-word answer – “Whatever.’’

Well, Jake, this is not a “Whatever’’ moment. This is a “Forever’’ moment, which is how long we will remember you.

SERVICES: Noon on Friday, May 31, at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. Donations can be made in Bob’s name to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) or Hospice of the Valley (hov.org).