Jodie Neil “Jay” Jacobs, III

Mr. Jodie Neil “Jay” Jacobs, III, 41, died Saturday, April 12, 2025, at his home in Oxford, Mississippi. Visitation will be held Friday, April 18, 2025, from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at Waller Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Monday, April 21, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Long Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Meridian, Mississippi, with Rev. Marty Harper officiating.

Jay was born on September 21, 1983, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Janice and Jodie Jacobs. He had a talent for woodwork, creating many beautiful pieces of furniture. An avid Ole Miss fan, he loved being in the heart of Oxford, and was a lifelong fan of the New Orleans Saints.

Jay was the kind of guy who never met a stranger. He had a huge heart, an even bigger personality, and a serious talent in the kitchen. Jay didn’t just cook—he brought people together. He opened his own restaurant, Le Roux, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, where among many other successes he met his future wife, April. From owning his own restaurant to running Ole Miss Dining, and hosting some of the best crawfish boils Mississippi has ever seen, Jay shared his love through food and created memories that will last a lifetime.

More than anything, Jay adored his girls. Being a husband and father was his greatest joy, and he lit up every time he talked about April, Bella, and Nola. He cherished all the little moments of fatherhood, like snuggling up with his girls to watch movies. His girls always requested the infamous ‘Daddy Dinosaur’, giggling and squealing with joy as Jay playfully attacked them. He and April loved spending time with their girls, but would sneak out from time to time for a date night alone or to catch a comedy show. These moments of laughter and reprieve brought them both endless joy. Jay was preceded in death by his brother, Colby Jacobs.

Jay is survived by his wife, April Jacobs, of Oxford, Mississippi; two daughters, Nola Jacobs and Bella Jacobs; parents, Jodie and Janice Jacobs of Meridian, Mississippi; sister, Katie Odom (Robby) of Meridian, Mississippi; brother, Tucker Jacobs of Meridian, Mississippi; mother-in-law, Susan Sanders of Aberdeen, Mississippi; aunt, Gina Jacobs of Jackson, Mississippi; as well as several nieces and one nephew.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Jay’s memory may be made to the fund set up to help support the family during this difficult time – https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-jay-jacobs-family-support.