Joannie Patterson Jacobs, loving mother, wife, friend and respected member of the community, passed from this life peacefully and surrounded by her family on Feb. 20, 2007, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
She was a resident of Sun Valley, Idaho, Irvington, N.Y., and Lake Placid, N.Y. Joannie was born on Sept. 22, 1925, in Omaha, Neb., the daughter of Arthur and Helen Scribner. She attended Mills College in Oakland, Calif., and later moved to Sun Valley in 1948 to skate in the Sun Valley Ice Shows from December to April of that year. Joannie became so enamored with the valley that she remained there until 1997.
Joannie married James Arthur Patterson, an engineer and skier from Colorado, and helped him establish an engineering business, which operated out of their home until Jim's passing in 1983. They built a home at the base of Bald Mountain, which Sun Valley Co. later turned into the North Face Hut. In 1969, they built another home on Saddle Road. During these years they raised five children, instilling in each a sense of perseverance, independence and zeal for life.
Throughout her life, Joannie was an integral member of the Sun Valley community. In her own right, she was a successful and highly respected real estate agent for Capik and Co. for many years. Joannie was also instrumental in the development of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, which continues to provide coaching and competitive opportunities for emerging ski racers. In addition to her close relationship with family, her life was complete with friendships that were fostered through her passion for ice skating, skiing, tennis and duplicate bridge.
Joannie married Harry A. Jacobs Jr., in 1997, and they enjoyed 10 wonderful years of love, travel and fun together. Mr. Jacobs, a longtime resident of Lake Placid and Irvington, N.Y., is a former chairman and chief executive officer of Prudential-Bache Securities, Inc.
To those who knew her, Joannie's spirit was at the core of a wonderful life filled with love, family, friends, adventure and laughter. She lived each day to the fullest and never took a day for granted. She will be missed by her loved ones and the many lives she touched.
Joannie is survived by her husband, Harry A. Jacobs, Jr.; three sons, Ruff Patterson, Pete Patterson and his wife, Kim, and Matt Patterson; daughters, Susie Patterson and Barbie Patterson Kallerud; son-in-law, Thor Kallerud; grandchildren, James Bjorn and Tori Kallerud; step daughter Nancy Haneman; and stepson, Terry Jacobs, and their families.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to remember and celebrate Joannie are asked to make donations to Dr. Mark Kris, c/o Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, N.Y. 10021.
Memorial services are scheduled for a later date in Sun Valley.
