In memoriam: Michael A. Jacobs
Michael A. Jacobs, PhD, professor and vice chair for research in the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, died Nov. 25, 2025. He was 64.
Jacobs received his PhD in biomedical physics from the Joint Oakland University/Henry Ford Hospital program in Rochester, Mich., in 1999. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in radiology at Johns Hopkins University in 2002.
His clinical interests included developing radiological methods for the detection, monitoring, and treatment of many diseases. Trained in diagnostic medical physics, advanced mathematics, and engineering, he focused his research on developing translational and imaging metrics for quantitative radiological imaging to improve the detection and characterization of various pathologies.
Jacobs is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his son Michael A. Jacobs Jr. and his partner, Sarah; his daughter, Courtney M. Jacobs, and her husband, Joshua Licta; his son, Jeremy R. Jacobs, and his wife, Hannah; and his son, Zachariah E. Jacobs. He also is survived by his grandchildren, Kelsey and Brianna Jacobs; his siblings, Scarlett Allen, Richard Jacobs, and David Jacobs Jr.; and his niece, Tricia Ostrom.
Susan John, PhD, professor and John S. Dunn Distinguished Chair in Radiology shared her remembrances of Jacobs.
“Dr. Michael Jacobs was an extraordinary individual whose contributions left a lasting impact on our department, UTHealth Houston, and physicians and patients across the nation. As vice chair for research and endowed professor of biomedical engineering, he was a visionary leader who spearheaded the renovation of the DII Advanced MRI Research Center and built an exceptional team of research scientists.
“Mike’s broad interests and talents fostered strong collaborations with scientists, academic institutions, and imaging companies worldwide. He was not only a brilliant and energetic imaging scientist but also a uniquely kind and generous human being. His positivity was unwavering. He freely shared his time and ideas, and he supported and nurtured his team with sincerity and compassion, always making colleagues feel valued and capable.
“We deeply mourn his loss, yet we remain committed to honoring his legacy by continuing the important work he began. We are profoundly grateful for the time we shared with him as a friend and colleague. He will be missed by all who knew him.”
The family will receive friends in the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc., (10 W. Padonia Rd. at York Rd., Timonium, Md., 21093), on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed in Michael’s memory to Old Newsboys of Flint (6225 Taylor Dr., Flint, Mich. 48507).