Robert was 1 of 12 children born to Edward Frederick "Ed" Jacoby and Iva May Mann. He grew up in Chesterfield, Macoupin County, Illinois and graduated from high school in nearby Greenfield, Greene County, Illinois.

The Jacoby family moved to Hartford, Madison County, Illinois in 1934. Robert worked at the International Shoe Company tannery located in Hartford.

He entered the service shortly before the beginning of World War II. On 08 Jun 1941, he reported to the induction center in East St. Louis, Illinois. 3 of Robert's brothers--Jack, Jake and Steve--also served in the military during the war.

Robert was assigned to the army's Infantry Replacement Training Center at Camp Walters, Texas in 1941. He was sent to a post in California the following year. During his first 3 years in the service, he was given a non-combat role due to the fact that he was missing a thumb on 1 hand, and he primarily served as a chauffeur for infantry officers.

In the summer of 1944, Robert was sent overseas. He was stationed in England before being sent into combat in France. In mid-July, Robert wrote and told his parents that he had arrived in France from England. Because of delays in getting mail to and from servicemen during the war, his letter did not arrive home until 03 Aug 1944.

On 21 Aug 1944, Robert's parents were notified that he was officially missing in action. They were contacted by the War Department almost 6 months later on 17 Feb 1945. At that time, they were informed that their son had been killed in action on 31 Jul 1944.

At the time of his death, Robert was 28 years, 1 month and 28 days old. He was survived by his mother and father; 4 sisters, Esther, Faye, Helen and Mary; and 5 brothers, Neal, Wendell, Jack, Jake and Steve Jacoby. Robert was preceded in death by 2 sisters who died in infancy.

Robert's military stone is located at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois.

Children: None.

Robert's siblings:
Esther May Jacoby Steele
Neal Frederick Jacoby
Faye L. Jacoby Robinson
Wendell M. Jacoby
Helen M. Jacoby Barr
Mary Louise Jacoby Lovell
Kenneth W. "Jack" Jacoby
Delbert M. "Jake" Jacoby
Milford Harlan "Steve" Jacoby
Infant Daughter Jacoby
Infant Daughter Jacoby