Robert L. "Bobby" Jacks, age 75 of Dayton passed away Monday, January 18, 2021 in Kettering Hospital. He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on July 24, 1945 the son of Dwight H. Jacks & Flora B. (Johnson) Jacks. After a long career as a Mechanic, he retired from Emery Worldwide. Bobby was a prominent Stock Car Driver and later on, after retirement, became self-employed where he proceeded in becoming a World Class Engine Builder and self-taught Machinist. He is survived by his son Robert L "Robby" Jacks Jr., and daughter Connie Jacks, 4 grandchildren Scott Lairson, Bridgette Perkins, Cherokee Perkins, and Autumn Perkins, 5 great grandchildren, many beloved Brother and Sister In-Laws, several nieces and nephews, Leisa (Kevin) Ensley and Jamie (Tina) Jacks, many cousins from his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama, Wilda (Bill) Price and Jerome (Janice) Ellett. A multitude of dear and special friends, Mike Redfern, Gary Combs, Mike Heitzman, Dennis Smith, Beth Hobbs, Frances Wooldridge, and so many from ARCA and the entire racing community. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers David Jacks and Dwight Jacks Jr., and his loving wife Patricia A. (Human) Jacks. A service will be held at a later date at the Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, Tipp City, OH. Services have been entrusted to the Zerkle Funeral Home, Tipp City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bobby's name to: Dayton Auto Racing Fans Club (D.A.R.F.) Injured Drivers Fund. C.O. Vanessa Gibson. 1361 Edinburgh Drive. Troy, OH 45373. Condolences may be sent to the family through this online guestbook.

A tribute by Mike Thompson of the Winchester Old Timer's Reunion Organization;

A CHAMPION GONE

After an almost month long battle with COVID, Robert L. "Bobby" Jacks has gone on ahead leaving many deeply saddened family, friends, and fans behind. Bobby passed on just after 10 a.m. this morning. As a racer, Jacks was one of the very best. He could win on any size, shape, or type of track, dirt or asphalt, it made no difference. Jacks honed his craft running stock cars on the local short-tracks around his home in Dayton, Ohio. Jacks eventually moved to the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) events where he was a regular for many seasons. As evidence of Bobby Jacks' wide ranging talents, consider that over the course of his career he won ARCA new car events at Pocono, on the dirt at the Springfield Mile, and at tiny Kil-Kare Speedway near Xenia, Ohio, a track so small it is no longer on the ARCA new car schedule. Just in case you might be thinking that Jacks' win at Springfield was a fluke, consider that he also won a USAC new car feature at Eldora Speedway. One of Bobby's most impressive outings took place at Daytona. He arrived too late to get into his first ARCA event there and rather than waste the trip he decided to file as a late entry for the Permatex 300 for NASCAR Sportsmen. He started well back in the field and against some really stout competition managed to bring his ARCA car home in 11th place! Not bad for a last minute change of plans.

After Bobby retired from driving duties he turned his attention fully to engine building and quickly established a reputation for some wicked fast motors that could go the distance. Later still he was well known for building unique historic engines. I was lucky when Bobby agreed to be our Grand Marshal for the Winchester Speedway Old Timers Reunion in 2016. He was a natural fit for the job and the Old Timers enjoyed meeting and chatting with him at least as much as Bobby enjoyed talking with them. Some of Jacks' most memorable drives came at that historic track. Charlie Dean and the rest of the Bagatelle Racing team convinced Bobby to take some laps in #52 Blue. It may have been his only drive in a sprint car on a track, and it might have been the last time Bobby made such an appearance and drove a race car. I might be wrong, but I think that Bobby had both knees replaced and the drive in the sprint car, though short, was sufficiently painful that Bobby wasn't interested in doing it again.

I'm unaware of visitation and funeral plans at this time but I will share the information when it becomes available. Wear your masks, keep your distance, and get your shot when it is available. Bobby's gone now to the Golden Speedway where every day is race day, where tires never wear out, and where any damage is never more than a scratch. RIP Bobby.