PEORIA, Ill. – A former Peoria City Council member and community leader has passed away.
George Jacob died on Sunday at the age of 61.
Jacob served as a Peoria City Council member from 2005 to 2011. He was also president of Brewers’ Distributing and was involved with local organizations, such as Neighborhood House and the Heart of Illinois United Way.
Former Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, who appointed Jacob to the council, tells WMBD’s “The Phil Luciano Show” that Jacob was a hard worker.
“He gave everything 110%. It doesn’t matter what he was doing, whether it was social, or business, or his family, he is all-in and he gave it everything,” Ardis said.
Ardis noted that Jacob was one who gave to many non-profit organizations across central Illinois, but would do so in a “humble and quiet” manner about his giving. Ardis also says Jacob had aspirations for political office that was higher than the city council, and even mayor of the city.
Jacob suffered a head injury during a motorbike crash in 2010, leaving him with an injury that he needed care for the rest of his life. Ardis says the incident showed Jacob’s strength, as well as that of his wife, Jeannie.
“I can’t hardly describe what type of person it takes and the strength that person has to see their mate go through what George went through with the accident he had, and stay so strong the whole time,” Ardis said.
Visitation for Jacob is Thursday evening and Friday morning at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with a funeral mass Friday afternoon.
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