Paul Jacobs

Musician, Engineer, Pun Loving Tax Man

Paul Jacobs, 81, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2015 in Santa Barbara, California, after a sudden illness.

Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara Logen of Goleta, California; son Harold and wife Lynne and grandson Gerald of Texas; daughter Barbara and husband Sergio and grandsons Daniel, Gabriel, and Mateo; daughter Nancy and granddaughter Taya.

This musical and mathematical man was born April 29, 1934 in the Bronx, New York, to Israel and Sarah Jacobs. His background in music and engineering gave him a unique perspective of the world. His wicked sense of the absurd and mastery of the pun made his humor one of the important things his friends and family knew about Paul. Also immediately apparent to those around him was his intelligence.

After graduation from the prestigious New York High School of Music and Art in Manhattan, he attended the City College of New York, and received a degree in music, later acquiring a second degree in engineering. During his career as an electrical engineer, he worked at Honeywell, Raytheon, and Delco. Changing careers in the 1980s, he became a self-employed tax preparer and accountant and continued this work until his passing.

Paul was passionate about music. He played French horn for the Santa Barbara Symphony from 1972-1979 as well as with Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera and other local orchestras. He also played oboe, piano, cello, bassoon, recorder, harpsichord, and the viola da gamba. His knowledge of composers, compositions, and funny stories about each was encyclopedic. He enjoyed playing music with Barbara and friends, and as the music filled the room it also filled his heart.

Paul and Barb explored many European countries together, learning the architecture, enjoying the museums, and everywhere finding good music.

A day was not complete without a New York Times crossword puzzle (always completed), his daily walk in the neighborhood, a movie on Netflix, and a gourmet meal. He was a Grandmaster of Chess, and had been an avid tennis player.

On Saturday, November 7th, there will be an Open House Memorial gathering at Paul and Barbara’s home in Goleta from 3-5pm. Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to: Santa Barbara Symphony, in care of the YS private lessons program, 1330 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.