Dr. Joseph R. Jacobs, C.M., D. Litt., 80 of Tuscarora Nation, entered into heaven on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Northgate Manor in Wheatfield, NY. Born in Lockport, NY he was the son of the late Ellwood, Sr. and Ellen Betty (Patterson) Jacobs.

Dr. Jacobs attended local schools and served in the United States Army. An accomplished self taught stone carver and internationally famous sculptor, he began carving following an industrial accident in 1974, and was recognized as a master of limestone, soapstone, and ivory mediums. He has created many pieces that interpreted Iroquois legends and myths in abstract and representational forms. Many of his works are showcased in the Joseph Jacobs Museum on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation, which is a result of the unique collaboration between Jacobs, Joseph Anderson and Simon Brascoupe, and displayed as well as various museums throughout Canada and the United States. His work has also been featured in magazines and he was commissioned by the Canadian House of Commons to complete a five panel limestone relief in 1985, which is permanently installed in the Member's Entrance of Canadian House of Commons. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Trent University in 1983, an Iroquois Arts Award in 1985, and the Order of Canada in 1985.

Dr. Jacobs is survived by his wife Patricia (Mt. Pleasant) Jacobs, four children Missy (Victor) Greene, Joey 'Jammer' Jacobs, Sherry (Peter) Bissell and Kirk (Candy) Jacobs; ten grandchildren Connor, Katrina, Desireé, Simon, Mo, Kassandra, Winter, Summer, Ray Ray and Nino; one great grandson Rhett; seven sisters Elva (late Eugene) Greene, Marlene (late Erwin) Printup, Marilyn Joann Kirkland, Nora (late Russell) Walters, Sharon (Richard) Harkness, Noreen (late Charles) Reese and Donna (Jim) Seaman and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by six siblings Anthony Jacobs, Ellwood "Gene" Jacobs, Doris (late Harrison) Printup, Marial (late Everet) Hewitt, Virginia (late Harold) Duck and Donald (late Barbara) Bradley.

Visitation will be on Wednesday from 7 – 9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday, May 7th at 11 a.m. at Tuscarora Baptist Church, 2088 Mt. Hope Road, Sanborn, NY with Rev. Walter Printup officiating. Interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.