David Andrew Jacobi, 80, of Columbia, MO, left this earthly journey for his next on April 18, 2021.

David was born in Martinsburg, MO, on August 21, 1940 to Edward and Lena Jacobi.  He was the 8 ^th of 10 children.  David graduated from St. Brendan's High School in Mexico, MO.  He joined the Navy following high school.  During his time in the Navy, he was a flight crewman and Aviation Electronics Technician that was tasked with searching for Soviet submarines.  After his service in the Navy, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey where he resided for 40 plus years.  He spent his career in IT.

David was an incredibly smart man with a wide array of interests and talents.  He was a member of the Missouri Archeological Society.  Over the years he found and collected some of the best examples of Native American artifacts in the state.  He was also a playwright with a performance Off Broadway in New York.  David was a published author of self-help and learning books.  He always strived to be better in his life's work.  Whether it be in writing his books and poetry, abstract art paintings, photography, research or his spiritual journey – he was continually learning and working to get it right.  He was truly a man ahead of the times in all these areas.  Alongside all of his personal pursuits and accomplishments he always managed to find time for fun with his family.  Some of his favorite pastimes with family were reciting funny poetry, performing magic tricks, directing funny skits, metal detector hunts, dry erase board tutoring sessions, walks in the woods, gardening instructions, lessons on how to make the perfect cup of hot tea, orchestrating countless family photo shoots, documenting every family gathering from behind his camera and the occasional political debate – he always kept his family entertained.

In his retirement years he enjoyed substitute teaching in Columbia Public Schools.  His true passion was being a lifelong learner and teacher.  He loved nothing more than to teach others, especially his great-great nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lena.  He was also proceeded by 6 brothers and one sister: Margaret Jacobi Hoer (George), Jim Jacobi, Frank Jacobi, Ed Jacobi, John (Joan) Jacobi and Ted (Shirley) Jacobi. As well as brother-in-law, Bernie Kulawiec.

David is survived by one sister, Susan Kulawiec of Windcrest, TX and one brother, Mike (Lynette) Jacobi of Kansas City, KS.  He is also survived by 149 nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews he cherished spending time with.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Martinsburg, MO.

Bye Catch ya later, Dave the Elder.  You will be missed.