DeLand, Fla. -  From his days as an All-Ohio basketball player at Blanchester High School to his position as athletic director at Stetson, Bob Jacoby lived a life filled with sports. That life ended this past Tuesday when he passed away. He was 76 years old and was living in Delaware at the time of his death.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of a valued friend and mentor", said Stetson Athletics Director Jeff Altier. "In the early 90's, Bob recruited me out of coaching and into Athletic Administration with a simple and profound argument; If you coach baseball you can influence 30 - 35 students a year but if you get into administration you can have an impact on hundreds.  I will always be thankful to Bob for his influence upon me and my family".

Jacoby spent 12 years as the athletic director at Stetson. His crowning achievement was hosting first and second round games in the NCAA men's Division I basketball tournament. At the time, 1993 and 1996, Stetson was the smallest institution to host NCAA Division I tournament games. Jacoby retired from Stetson in June 1996.

After his time at Stetson Jacoby worked several years in the marketing department for the Trans-America Athletic Conference.

Jacoby was born in Westboro, Ohio on Sept. 10, 1934. He graduated from the University of Dayton in 1956 and then earned a master's degree in Education from Miami University of Ohio. He also worked as Athletics Director and head basketball coach at Southern State College.