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In memory of

Wade Jacoby

Provo, UT, USA

March 15, 1964 - February 29, 2020

Mar 15, 1964 - Feb 29, 2020

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Ron Linden

2025, Rome, Italy

I got the email from Ever Loved today and it provided one of those moments where you feel sure that the spirit of someone you knew is still there, keeping an eye on you and your work. Why? Well, I gave a talk this week here in Rome. The topics were many and included East Europe’s joining the EU. I used the moment to quote Wade’s evocative metaphor about the accession process: “Priest and the Penitent” he called it, and no one ever devised a better way to describe it.

Do you think it’s spooky that I had the opportunity to quote him so near his birthday? I do.

I knew Wade as a colleague, saw him often at conferences, including one in Pittsburgh, the last time I saw him. I am retired, but from time to time lists of sources about Europe come across my desk. If it is a serious list, Wade’s work will be on it—but I don’t need to read it, because as a shameless admirer, I will have already done so. For years I have written part of a text on East Europe and the publisher always asks for an updated list of readings. I have changed the list many times but always kept Wade’s The Enlargement of the European Union and NATO: Ordering from the Menu in Central Europe (2004).

It does not make up for not having him here but it is a lasting legacy for those of us who were lucky enough to work alongside him.

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Bonnie (Jacoby) O'Connor

JB JB

Early December 2024 I was sitting on the bank of Lake Roosevelt – trout line in the water – I was reading an article about what to expect on Trump’s second first day in office. As with many subjects before, I wished to know Wade’s take on it. Slipping into reverie my first and only bite of the day came and a fat Rainbow Trout was soon in hand. That fish felt like a whisper of providence.

I miss you my friend.

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Bonnie (Jacoby) O'Connor

Dick Samuels

I can't count the number of times a memory of Wade has suddenly seized me these past 4 years. This has been especially common now that I have been living in Berlin for a few months. Wade was a special friend and teacher of teachers, and is still sorely missed.

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Bonnie (Jacoby) O'Connor

Comments:

Suzanne Berger

Even here in Cambridge, I often think of Wade. I think of his genuinely original insights--into intellectual... Read more Even here in Cambridge, I often think of Wade. I think of his genuinely original insights--into intellectual "monocultures," into... Read more Even here in Cambridge, I often think of Wade. I think... Read more

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Pavel Černoch

I still have silent talks with Wade and wonder what his thoughts would be on our previous conversations … in my thoughts he is very much alive 🥰

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Bonnie (Jacoby) O'Connor

Beverly Crawford

Thinking of Wade; most cheerful, optimistic colleague I've had

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Bonnie (Jacoby) O'Connor

Benedetta Cotta

My late condolences to Wade's family. It is with great sorrow that I come to know about this tragic loss after more than two years.

I came to know Wade as a PhD student at the European University Institute in Florence years ago, when he was a Braudel Fellow. We had several talks about the European Union and the Eastern European countries and it was then natural for me to ask him to be part of my PhD jury committee. His review of my dissertation gave me the right amount of confidence in defending the thesis, but also great suggestions to improve it substantially.

I will always be grateful for knowing him, and for the many insights he gave me on which I have been building up my career. He will be remembered.

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Bonnie (Jacoby) O'Connor

Susan Howe

Hard to believe it has been over a year since Wade's death. As a tribute to him, I wrote this elegy, but I haven't had emails or addresses to send it. I hope if I post it here, you will get it.

How to Get Through This

elegy for Wade Jacoby

“Death is unacceptable,” said someone,
rightly, especially when the departed was your father.
Especially because he loved Springsteen
but not as much as he loved your mother.
Especially because he gave you Europe
and taught you to wear a garbage bag
over your shorts and t shirts so the cold
Edinburgh rain wouldn’t keep you
from Holyrood Palace or the castle.
Especially because he and your mom shepherded
each of you past border guards and over mountains
into her own identity, her own truth.
Especially because he didn’t miss a jump
or biff a landing on that slick rock bike trip
and had thirty more years to pedal. But
that immortal fist punched him in the heart,
and now you have to not see him everywhere
in the world.

Doing the things he did
might keep him close, so ask each presidential
candidate, “What do you plan to do to deflate
our expectations?” and moderate the election
results live for the BBC. Or grumble that commas
are not seasoning to be randomly scattered
over a stew of words. Sleep out with him
and roll from the bag into the long grass,
lying there until your sweats turn dewy
and the Milky Way burns a path you climb
to the cosmos. Ski in a bike helmet.
Play American football on a German semi-pro
team; remember how he starred as quarterback.
Write your own Springsteen song and sing it
to your mom. Read like the most committed
Republican, the most intense Democrat, then figure out
how to fill in the cracks. Knot fishing flies with strands
of a frayed European Union flag. Give your own
children an extra theme because the school
curriculum appalls: have them compare rock anthems
as expressions of grief. Ask a bright student
whose head is always down which professor
she most admires, then invite both student and prof
for Thai food and talk. Answer, as your dad would,
both, when asked, faith or science? philosophy
or pop culture? baked or fries? Europe
or the United States? here or hereafter?

for Taylor, Clementine, and Kendall
and for Kindra

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Bonnie (Jacoby) O'Connor

Kathy Howe

1991, Next House, Memorial Drive, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA

I am so sorry to hear about Wade’s death — what a shock. Danny Su, a fellow Next House class of 1993 friend, just shared the news with a bunch of us.

Gowri (Rao Grewal, my former MIT roommate) and I were talking about the Next House floor tutors on our recent Dish walk in Palo Alto, CA and I always remembered Wade with one of the girls coming down the hall and her screaming bloody murder at the top of her newborn lungs around 10:30 pm each night (I think it was 1991 or early 1992?) . And he was just calm and generous and funny and unflappable — and his biggest was concern was if the noise was too loud and bothered us? Not a bit — we all wanted to help , but of course he had it covered. I was impressed then and I was even more impressed after I had my own 2 screamers. It made such an impression that I would “channel my inner Wade” when mine were newborns 😊 (2005 and 2012 so you can tell his Zen state definitely stuck with me for many years ).

All of us at Next House are grateful for y’all being our floor tutors, Kindra, and are so sorry to hear of Wade’s sudden passing. My deepest condolences to you and your daughters and all who love Wade.

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Dick Samuels

Wade was special in too many ways to list. We "talked shop"--but not endlessly, because we spent so much quality time fishing and hunting together over decades and all across the country-- Ipswich, Iowa, Idaho, and Provo. My, how much I miss him and his wisdom... Warmest to Kindra and the "kids" from Debbie and me both.

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Clayton Roundy

It's been just over a year since your passing my friend. I thought it was a little unusual that I hadn't heard from you last fall/late summer to inquire or discuss upcoming elk hunting ventures. I heard of your passing a little over a month ago from a friend who dated a coworker of Kindra's. I was shocked to hear of this terrible news. You were a good man and the few times we spent together hunting will not be forgotten.
My late condolences to Kindra and your daughters whom you spoke of often.

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Andrei Markovits

I cannot believe this AWFUL news that just reached me yesterday via GERMAN POLITICS and the request for me to continue being on the Advisory Board!!!
Wade was a prince of a guy! I loved the man! He was totally brilliant, I will never ever forget his dissertation defense at MIT where Suzanne Berger, Ricky Locke, Peter Hall and I basically thanked Wade for passing US a la Samuelson's defense at Harvard where Alvin Hansen basically thanked the candidate for passing the committee. It was one of most wonderful intellectual conversations that I have ever had anywhere. Wade and I connected in Berlin, in Bonn (where he met with football glory as a wonderful quarterback) in Cambridge, at Berkeley and, of course, at Brigham Young where he had me come give some lectures in January of 2009. He showed me around the area. It was memorable! I cannot believe this happened. He was a gem of a person, a real intellectual, a MENSCH!!!!

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Beverly Crawford

My heart goes out to Wade's big and beautiful family; he was the best colleague ever and I was privileged to know him.

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Stu Gorski

My heart and prayers go out to the entire Jacoby family. Wade was my high school quarterback at Mt. Baker High School. He was easily the most intelligent quarterback I ever coached. I remember when Wade, Eric, and Darin would drive into Acme and the four of us would play 2 on 2 basketball. Loved it. I am just stunned; but happy that I attended his 50th birthday in Bellingham.

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Bonnie (Jacoby) O'Connor

Nathan Garlock

In the summer of 2015, Professor Jacoby greeted our Washington Seminar cohort with a smile and a challenge to keep an open mind and ask “how does that work?” early and often to those we met. This simple unassuming question was a paradigm shift for many of us to listen more and talk less. In turn, he knew how to listen. He was humble.

He met with each of us individually and asked us why DC? And why now? He asked us what we wanted to get out of the Summer and semester. He invited us to dream.

As speakers would come in to give lectures to our class during that summer he had a way of creating an almost sacred learning environment. Not the kind that was virtue signaling or self-serving but an environment that was virtuous and comfortable for even the most introverted or insecure student to feel at ease participating and asking questions. This kind of teaching led to more learning even beyond the time allotment of class or the walls of the classroom and spilled over into more informal discussions between students. He fostered respect and curiosity.

Professor Jacoby had an almost clandestine approach when it came to leading the class to various conclusions from his, or guest lectures, forums. One day I think he grew tired of our class’s predominantly conservative opinions of speakers and said something I found to be less than unbiased and so I shouted from the back of the classroom “WE ALWAYS KNEW YOU WERE A LIBERAL.” Through the roar of applause and laughter, he gave a half-smile and chuckle that put the room at ease. He handled the situation with class and I knew he would get me back later. He was without guile.

Later that summer he invited us to his home for a BBQ and to watch the Belmont stakes (June 6th, 2015). We were able to see Professor Jacoby relax, introduce us to his lovely family, and talk about his hobbies. He was a friend.

Nate Garlock | Washington Seminar Student | Summer - 2015

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Bonnie (Jacoby) O'Connor

Marni Headman

Jacoby Girls,
Words can’t Even begin express how sorry I am. I also know there are no words that numb the pain. Just know you prayed for and thought of with our deepest sympathy.
Much love
The Headman Family, Marni Taylor, Nicona, Remi and Holly.

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Gerald McDermott

Sandra and I are heartbroken, Wade and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. Indeed, Wade came up at least three times in conversations the week before his passing. Wade was always a source of calm, clarity, and joy for me. Of course, we talked shop alot , about work and politics, but I truly reveled in the great feeling I had after we hung up. I learned so much from him, not just about political economy but especially about life and keeping things in perspective. Perhaps we can all pass on to one another that gift he has left us. Take care, Gerry

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Johnny Harris

2013, Provo, UT, USA

Not only did PLSC 110 change my whole perspective, but Dr Jacoby also took me under his wing later in my college career. I wasn't the most likely academic and yet he gave me his full attention as we worked through an ORCA grant project. He edited my writing endlessly. We traveled to conferences and he fueled me with such useful perspective on the world. Once I became a journalist I would go back to Dr Jacoby for perspective. To get his take on things. I emailed him just last week looking for guidance on a puzzle I'm working through. His feedback will be missed. I can't ever thank him enough for the mark he left on my mind. Not only as a smart teacher and mentor but as a kind, warm, sensitive person. My heart aches for this loss.

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Bonnie (Jacoby) O'Connor

Brian Taylor

2020, Provo, UT, USA

Wade, Kindra, Astrid Tuminez, Jeff Tolk

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Comments:

Brian Taylor

This was the last time I saw Wade, on February 1, 2020. Wade had hosted me at BYU to give a talk, and Saturday... Read more This was the last time I saw Wade, on February 1, 2020. Wade had hosted me at BYU to give a talk, and Saturday morning we got ... Read more This was the last time I saw Wade, on February 1, 2020.... Read more

Daniel & Susan Anderson

We are so sorry to hear about Wade Jacoby. Although we have never met Wade (to our knowledge), we have met his daughter, Taylor, through our own daughter. (They married brothers from the same family.) Daughters have a very special place in their fathers' hearts! Truly, you are in our prayers.

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Nick Mason

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Nick Mason

2019, Provo, UT, USA

While I'd known Wade beforehand, he and I became close friends and allies while he was running BYU's Center for the Study of Europe and I the European Studies major from 2012 forward. Virtually every significant opportunity or program we ran over the past fifteen years for Europeanists on campus could be directly traced to Wade's energy, vision, and drive. Whether it was founding a powerhouse Model EU team, taking a half dozen students per year to the Claremont Conference on the EU, or launching a still-running monthly series of "cafe discussions" between faculty, Wade was always finding ways to broaden students' education and facilitate vibrant exchanges on pressing issues between faculty from different corners of campus.

In short, he was one of the few truly irreplaceable professors at BYU. Wade's breadth of knowledge about all things European, unfailingly high standards, and enormous professional network set a new bar for the influence a BYU professor could have both on campus and beyond.

Wanting to join forces again, last summer he and I teamed up on a proposal to direct a 2021 study abroad program on "The Disunited Kingdom" at BYU's London Centre. His sections of our proposal were classic Wade, as once again he displayed his gift for thinking outside the box for the benefit of our students and the institution. Not getting to actually see him put his vision for this program into action is yet another reason for heartache, but I'll always cherish the months of spirited back and forth thinking up our literary-political hybrid on modern British identity.

Needless to say, this thunderbolt has left faculty across campus and hundreds of our current and former students reeling this week. I suspect it will be months before the reality and finality of Wade's passing sink in, and I'll miss him that much more every time I pass one of our favorite lunch haunts or least favorite meeting rooms.

Thanks, Kindra and the girls, for such a beautiful obituary. Hopefully you're feeling at least some measure of the prayers and love we're all sending your way this week. And, if next year's London program ends up happening after all, there will always be space and a warm welcome for you in the Mason family flat.

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Gabe Davis

Teresa Thompson Evans

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Geoff Pingree

I’m so sorry to hear about Wade’s death, Kindra. I feel privileged to have been with him in London at a time when he found both professional purpose and a lifelong partner. You two will always be dear to me. I have not kept up with all that you and he and your family have done over the years, but I know that Wade was a good, kind, honest man, and as I get older, I realize more and more how rare that kind of integrity is. I send along much love and my warmest wishes. Geoff

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Pavel Černoch

2020, Lévis-Saint-Nom, Frankreich

When Barack Obama referred to Hillary Clinton’s campaign question “Who will pick up that phone call at 4AM?”, he said: “That would be me! ‘cause I gotta go pee at that time!” When I heard this joke some years ago, it made me instantly think of Wade and how we could perhaps construct a paper and a good story around that, which would entertain an academic setting and draw attention to the larger issues of our transatlantic relationship.
On Tuesday morning it was my turn to get up at 4AM and while doing that Scott Sprengers’ message about Wade’s death appeared on my phone. There I was, alone, in the middle of the night in my cosy house in the French countryside, utterly left flabbergasted with a star spangled sky above my head ... and it dawned on me that I will not be able to share the magical spirit of this newfound place with my dear friend Wade anymore.
I was so much looking forward to sharing this with Wade some summer day ... because it would have been a wonderful way to return a bit of the same token, which Wade so generously and open heartedly offered to me when I needed it most.
- [ ] We met in the mid 1990s in Prague, when he came over to Central Europe in order to research about EU enlargement. I was working for the EU mission back then and was able to open a few doors for him and hook him up with some interesting people. But more importantly, the two of us bonded instantly ... on so many more levels than we were able to fathom at the time ... and we stayed in touch from there on, wrote papers together, opened up about our respective life journeys to each other, discovered so many parallels ... Wade was instrumental to bringing me to Grinnell College in 2000/2001 to teach European integration classes there after he left ... which turned to be a life-changing year, professionally and personally for me. The only downside was, that once in Grinnell he was no longer there ... but I fell in love with Iowa and Wade reached out to introduce me to the academic community focused on European studies and US-German relations.
- [ ] Many people got to know Wade in his capacity as teacher, mentor, compassionate friend, a most generous human being ... and the pain of loss is ever present in all the lines we are are will be reading about him. I would like to add a particular aspect about him, which many on the other side of the pond might to have been able to take in in its wholesome beauty ... Wade when speaking German. Personally, what I will probably miss most now, is speaking German with him.
- [ ] He was at time reluctant to speak German, felt his German is not good enough, but in all honesty ... I cannot think of any other American who spoke German so intimately well inside out as Wade Jacoby ... perhaps because he acquire some of it on the football pitch in Bonn, perhaps because his curiosity always lead him to ask the right question about a particular German mental image, but mainly because it was the mastery of the German language which opened up his own personal journey ... full of endeavour ... out of the confines of his outback American childhood world.
Writing these lines does not feel right, well, does not feel right ... right now. It is way too early. Being myself the firstborn, I always was looking out for an older brother in life. Wade was that older brother of mine. I always knew, that in his role as mentor and teacher (and father!!! to three outstanding women!!!) he was that “older brother” to many ... and thus I always felt, that for my own selfish reasons, I have no right to monopolise on that feeling. But I kept telling myself that the time will come, when we will be able to catch up on that. I stand corrected.
With his passing Wade left us some homework. Write down a list of people whom you were planning reach out to and call them. Now. Research your inner self and jot down those things you wanted to say to people you care for and do it. Now. And do not forget to tell those you love, that you do love them. Today, tomorrow ... do not stop. Please.
If you are still reading these lines, and made it with me until this point ... please let me share the most intimate bond I had with Wade. He has been there for me in my darkest hour emotionally. He lifted me up, like no other person could have done it. He shared with me his own wisdom about love, marriage and family.
It is largely thanks to Wade that I have found myself again. He helped me to rearrange my moral compass and show me the value of sincere love and family.
Kindra of course knows volumes about that side of Wade.
Thus, as life and death are part of the same package, if there is one most comforting thought in these difficult days, I would say that the spirit of Wade, his moral compass, lives on with his daughters, perhaps even stronger now, that they have an even stronger urge to carry it on in their respective lives and pass it on to the next generation.
Thank you for listening. Greetings from France. Pavel

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Bethnie Morrison

Joyce Herrin

Comments:

Vladimir Handl

Wade was everything we love about America, everything what could make America great again... Vladimir Handl,... Read more Wade was everything we love about America, everything what could make America great again... Vladimir Handl, Prague Wade was everything we love about America, everything... Read more

Bruce Brown

Wade had a strong spirit of congeniality, kindliness, generosity, playfulness and good will, and seemed to radiate light. I didn't have a chance to work with him, and only knew him from conversations in the elevators and the hallways, but it always brightened my day when I crossed paths with him. We will all miss this great and good young man in our BYU community.

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