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Jake 1925 - 2008
Remembered by John Derris
Jake
or Philip Jacobs as it appeared on his birth certificate, was known by many for
his performances as clown/magician or as that friendly, larger-than-life man
behind Davenports counter. Sadly he passed away at Brinsworth House, home for
retired members of the entertainment profession in December where he lived
following the death of his wife Daphne. I knew Jake for over fifty years
following his time as a comedian in Combined Services Entertainments during his
war service after which he was a printer by day and an entertainer by night. His
career as a performer blossomed and he secured many residences in hotels and
restaurants for many years.
An excellent craftsman he produced many fine pieces of magic apparatus and was the first to make and introduce the nodding tortoise made from walnut shells which he purchased by the sackful, long before the mass produced plastic versions appeared.
Always with an eye to business he always sold on the walnuts to grateful bakers and confectioners! A great mimic, a wonderful story-teller and always full of show biz stories told in character. We will miss him.
John Derris, January 2009