“I expect to pass through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow human being, let me do it now as I shall not pass this way again.”
Arthur P. Jacobs, 87, of Belleville, Illinois, born Tuesday, February 22, 1938, in Belleville, IL, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025 at his residence in Belleville.
Art retired as the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Belleville. He was a retired Inspector for State of IL Fire Marshal, past President Bi-County Firefighter’s Association, Director and Instructor of Rescue Services for St. Clair County Civil Defense, Former Fire Instructor at BAC, Graduate of IL State Police Academy for Arson Investigating, U.S. Treasury of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for Arson Investigating.
He was a member of East Lodge 504 AF&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, Ainad Shrine, past President Color Guard, past President Belleville Shrine Club, Troy-Edwardsville Shrine Club, past Director Southern Illinois Court 86 ROJ, Southside Improvement Association, Moose Lodge 1221, life member of the Little Devils Football Club, Board Member, Manager and promoter of Girl’s Softball Programs of Belleville Khoury League, Co-Founder Southern Illinois Camp for Burn Children, Founder of the Belleville’s First Children’s Smoke House and Pluggie, member of the Belleville Gearjammers since 1954, Vice President of Belleville Octoberfest, Board of Appeals and Planning Commission for the City of Belleville and a Honorary member of the Belleville American Business Woman’s Association and their Santa.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents, Peter and Leona, nee Ruser, Jacobs
- 2nd wife, JoAnn Jacobs
- Brother, Thomas Jacobs
Sister, Mary Neighbors
Surviving are his:
- Loving wife, Wanda L., nee Weber, Jacobs of Belleville, IL
- Children:
- Patricia (Alan) Thomas of Belleville, IL
- Laurene (Homer Lee) Miller of Janesville, WI
- Arthur “Bud” (Kryshelle) Jacobs Jr. of Belleville, IL
- 9 grandchildren:
- Jason Thomas
- Marissa Thomas
- Nathan Thomas
- Daniel Miller
- Lisa (Rick) Fehly
- Kaylee Miller
- Homer Andrew (Marina) Miller
- Peter Jacobs
- Stephanie Jacobs
- Mother of his children, Winnie Kyro of Edwardsville, IL
- Brother-in-law, Eugene Neighbors of Belleville, IL
- Brother & Sister-in-law: John (Cindy) Weber
- Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins
Special thanks: Special thanks to his wonderful caregivers from Home Instead and Hospice of Southern Illinois.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children’s-St. Louis, Parkinson Foundation, Foundation for Fighting Blindness
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville.
Other services: There will be a Fireman’s walk-through at 6:00 pm; Jester Rose Ceremony at 7:13 pm followed by Ainad Color Guard walk-through and then a Masonic Service around 7:30pm.
Funeral: Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Doug Stewart officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.
