Don Jobe

Donald Jobe was a very giving and generous man. Blessed with an amazing musical talent, he shared his love of life and music with all those around him. Often described as funny, outgoing, wise and loving, Don will best be remembered as a devoted husband, attentive father, doting grandfather and good friend. He didn't care about recognition or praise; he was just pleased with doing his best and working hard.

The year 1946 was a mixture of many historical events in the United States. President Harry Truman officially proclaimed an end to hostilities in World War II, while Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart made its big screen debut. For William and Betty (Cheshier) Jobe, 1946 was also a wonderful year as they welcomed the birth of their only child, Donald, on July 10, 1946, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

William was a career military man and served in the Air Force for 20 years. He had attained the rank of Master Sergeant. Because of his line of work, the family lived on several bases while Don was growing up. His father also served in Korea for quite awhile and was away for much of Don's younger years. The Jobes finally settled down in the small town of Watervliet, Michigan. At first, they lived in the House of David, but later bought some land and built a house. As a young boy, Don was very active in scouting and had achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He was also a National Champion baton twirler, which he started at about five. Don performed in many shows and went on tour with country stars, like Gene Autry and Patsy Kline. He was also a child actor and preformed in many theatre productions. Don attended the Watervliet Public Schools, where he participated in the band as a drummer. He later transferred to Hartford High School in his sophomore year and played drums for their concert band and performed as a drum major.

After graduating from Hartford High in 1964, Don went on to attend the University of Michigan on a music scholarship. At this time, the U of M band was all male, and they went to the Rose Bowl Don's first year at college. During his second year at U of M, Don's father died, and he decided to leave school to work as a disc jockey for WDOW in Dowagiac for two years. Don then married his high school sweetheart, Susan Szewczyk, on September 30, 1967, in Hartford. While the newlyweds settled into married life together, Don enrolled at Western Michigan University where he became a disc-jockey at WIDR. He went on to finish his BA degree and went on to earn his Masters in Communication and later in Counseling. During this time, the couple also welcomed the birth of their only child, son Dennis, in 1968.

After graduating from WMU, Don began his 37-year career in the Hopkins Public Schools. He dedicated 35 years at the high school, and was in his third year as a counselor at the middle school. Over the years, he also helped negotiate contracts for the Hopkins schools. Don was a real "people person" and enjoyed interacting with the teachers and students alike. In fact, the high schoolers thought Don was "pretty cool." During his summers out of school, Don taught Drivers Education at Portage Public Schools for 15 years. He even taught "Mini Me" from Centerville. The last few years Don taught Drivers Training for Jane Hunter.

Aside from his career and family, Don also pursued his love of music as a drummer and singer for the rock n roll garage band called "The Ghosters." He and Susan traveled a lot with the band as they played all over Benton Harbor and Southwestern Michigan. Aside from performing, Don also wrote much of his own music and had recorded six records. He was musically inspired by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boy's. He eventually gave up the band life when he was in his mid 40s, and turned his attention to his three grandchildren, whom he adored. Don looked forward to teaching his grandson, Josh, how to play the drums and when he was 15, he would get Don's drum set. He also enjoyed teaching his grandkids the game of chess.

Don was an all around great guy with a great sense of humor and a tremendous thirst for knowledge. He was a true TV trivia buff; in fact, he was a "master of trivia" on all subjects. A real "wise" guy, Don was constantly learning. Yet, with all the knowledge in the world, Don knew that true joy and happiness came from being surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Last January, Don suffered from diverticulitis and underwent colostomy surgery. Then, the week before Christmas, he went to have this procedure reversed and unexpectedly died in the recovery room. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Donald Jobe, age 60, of Kalamazoo, MI, died on December 30, 2006, at Bronson Hospital. Learn more about Don and visit with his family and friends on Friday, January 5, from 6:00 p.m. until service time at 7:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home - Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo (375-2900). Reception will follow the service at the Life Story Center. Members of Don's family include his wife of 39 years, Susan Jobe; his son, Dennis Jobe of Hartford; three grandchildren: Nicole, Joshua and Jordan; five brothers and sisters-in-law: John (Mary Sue) Szewczyk of Macomb, Karen (Chip) Henselin of Orlando, FL, Jill Wilkens of Sister Lakes, Steve (Kelly) Szewczyk of Orlando, FL, Kevin (Karen) Szewczyk of Altamontes Springs, FL; mother-in-law, Jaqueline Szewczyk of Altamontes Springs, FL; and many nieces and nephews. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo of Don and sign the online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to his grandchildren's college education fund c/o Susan Jobe.