Born to two unusual people, Jacob was an unwilling participant in his parents’ trials and tribulations of the Great Depression. His early life was greatly influenced, both positively and negatively, by his father’s irrational actions and political connections. His father’s philosophy was affected by an incident in his early twenties with an off-duty policeman and the subsequent trial, which ended in a strange manner. Jacob’s childhood was filled with enjoyable occurrences resulting from living in a large house with several cousins, aunts, and uncles. Living beside a large park offered the opportunity to hear stories from the older boys and to play many sports with boys of his age. The small town where he was raised was an important place during World War II, having a ship yard and company-located barracks for young men who marched in the streets to a park and back. His friendship with a Negro janitor, Jameson, at his grammar school gave Jacob an opportunity to talk with someone who was interested and interesting. This friendship later would allow him to assist Jameson in a difficult situation.