Edmund “Ned” Werner Jacob, 86, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025 in Franklin, NY at home surrounded by his granddaughters.

Ned was born in Elizabethton, TN, on November 15, 1938 to German parents Edmund Kurt Jacob and Sophie Theresa (Reimer) Jacob. Ned was an enigmatic, larger-than-life, and magnetic person who did things on his own time and in his own way. After high school, Ned hitchhiked to Browning, Montana. From there on out, he lived a life that was beautiful, bold, brilliant, and brave. Nomadic in nature, Ned was always traveling, and had roots in many places including the Rocky Mountain States, the Southwest, and Maine. 

A perpetual student of life, Ned spent his years painting and drawing, traveling the world, and sharing his many celebrated stories, knowledge, and wisdom with others. He dedicated his life to his art and was known not only for his incredible technical skill but for his amazing mentorship, which he shared passionately.

He is survived by his grandchildren, Emma Finley-Jacob of Stuttgart, Germany, Lauren Finley-Jacob and Kendall Finley-Jacob of Franklin, NY, and his great grandson River Jacob Story. In Egg Harbor City, NJ his sister Carol (Jacob) Farrell, niece Joanne (Farrell) Sabo and nephew Jonathan Farrell. Ned was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Edmund (Jacob) Finley, his brother Richard Jacob, both of his parents, and countless mentors and friends that he held dear.

Ned will be remembered for many things, but mostly for his profound artistry, charming intellect and wit, unwavering integrity, and deep love and loyalty for those close to him. His presence and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew him.

In lieu of a traditional memorial service, Ned’s granddaughters will take an honorary roadtrip to visit places Ned loved. A celebration of life will take place along the way, on October 10th at 5:30pm at Nedra Matteucci Galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Along the route, his granddaughters will be stopping in with old friends and students to collect stories for an oral history project on the life and adventures of Ned Jacob. To attend the celebration of life, or to participate in Ned’s oral history project, check out the Events tab. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/edmund-jacob/obituary/

Copy