Fond Farewell: International Relations Professor Emeritus Jim Jacob

Professor Emeritus James “Jim” Jacob, who served as dean for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and taught international relations for many years, passed away September 16. He was 71.

Born November 17, 1949, he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1971 from the University of California, Berkeley, and completed his MA and PhD in international relations from Cornell University in 1979. He began his teaching career as an assistant professor in the political science department at Wright State University in Ohio, and went on to become a full professor there and serve two terms as department chair.

In 1995, Jacob was hired as dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Chico State. During his three years in that role, he used his leadership to support and grow faculty scholarship. He then dedicated the next 18 years to his enduring love of teaching, as both a professor and coordinator of the international relations program.

Colleagues and alumni recall how interactive his classes were, how he made his students feel empowered by their studies, and the robust discussions on global current events he led in his classrooms. Patient and caring deeply for each student’s success, Jacob never hesitated to make time to explain a lesson or discuss an idea.

“I had an office next to him and remember the time he took with each international relations major. He would have a line down the hall, but would give each student his full and complete attention and time,” said Professor Jennifer Wilking. “He was authentically interested in each student’s experiences and perspective.”

Professor Diana Dwyre still remembers how nervous she was when he popped into her graduate seminar her first semester as a new faculty member, only to witness his passion and enthusiasm firsthand as he jumped right into the discussion of US Congress, interest groups, and representation.

“Jim was an insightful and enjoyable colleague,” she said. “He touched so many students as an enthusiastic advisor, talented teacher, and effective mentor.”

Jacob understood students well and would draw them into exciting political debates with simple, well-planned comments, said Professor Adam Irish. He was known to often reply to especially brilliant remarks by saying, “Well, now, that sounds like the kind of thing an international relations major would say.”

“In his last year teaching at Chico State, Jim was asked to deliver a lecture at the political science honor society banquet. For an entire hour, Jim held the audience captive with lively stories from a life spent teaching and writing about international politics,” Irish recalled. “I’ll never forget the magnanimous way that Jim closed his lecture. Turning the spotlight from himself, Jim thanked all the students and his colleagues for so many happy years.” 

Dean Eddie Vela was a professor of psychology when he first met Jacob and found him to be an engaged, funny, and insightful leader. Their friendship only continued to grow through the years, and Vela said he thinks especially fondly of their discussions on issues related to his expertise in terrorism and Middle Eastern politics.

“He absolutely loved teaching and was devoted to his students. Being just down the hallway from me in Butte Hall, I had many opportunities to chat with Jim. I always appreciated his quiet wit, his biting humor, but especially his knowledge of international politics,” Vela said. “He also knew the best places in Chico to get great hot dogs and was a surprisingly good golfer!”  

Throughout Jacob’s career, he also served as a consultant to the US Department of Defense, lecturing on cross-cultural communications and terrorism, and briefing civilians and military personnel who had been assigned to posts in politically unstable countries. He lectured across the United States, Asia, and Europe.

In 1994, his book “Hills of Conflict: Basque Nationalism in France” was published, a summary of his life’s research and work at the time. He retired in 2016.

A lifelong learner, Jacob was passionate about teaching, reading, travel, and food. He generously shared his time and energy with his students, colleagues, friends, and family, and was known for his humor, kindness, and capacity for forgiveness.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Kathy; children and stepchildren Lisa, Lindsey, Amanda, and Christopher; grandchildren Jackson, Ava, Alexander, Audrey, and Sloane; brother Andrew; sister Susan; numerous nephews and nieces; and many other extended family members.

A memorial will be held October 24, from 2–4 p.m., at the Englewood MetroPark in Englewood, Ohio, at the Lawwill/West Park shelter.

The University flag will be lowered Tuesday, October 12, in his memory.