Jim Jacobs

Jim Jacobs’ admission into the hall of Fame was just a matter of when he would become eligible. The original requirement has set up eligibility for players who no longer competed in open events but was recently amended to permit nomination when a player reached the age of 40. Jacobs is considered the “complete player” … power, stamina, two-handed skills, speed, anticipation, and control. He developed a control volley game, using the percentage offensive shots, wearing down his opponents, and letting them make mistakes. In 1955 he defeated Vic Hershkowitz in the finals at his home Los Angeles Athletic Club, to take the first of six USHA singles crowns. Jacobs also has six doubles crowns to his credit, once with Dick Weisman in 1960, and five times with Marty Decatur, along with three 3-wall singles titles. In 1970 in a tribute to his achievements, the U.S. Handball Association made a special award to Jacobs as “Greatest Handball Player of the Generation.”