RIP George Jobe
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 | 6:00 PM
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PrintRacer X has learned that multi-time World Champion George Jobe has passed away after a battle with Leukemia. The Belgian was one of the finest Grand Prix racers that the sport has ever seen having won the 250 class crown twice and the 500 championship three times. Jobe rode for factory Suzuki and Kawasaki but won his 500 titles as a privateer in a GP racing career that spanned 13 years.
Jobe also raced in America many times over the years at the USGP’s and would spend winters over here to get ready for the Grand Prix year. In recent years, George was coaching riders and passing on his years of knowledge and experience onto them after making a miraculous recovery from a paralyzing crash in 2007.
Jobe was 51 years old. Our condolences go out to his friends and family from everyone here at Racer X.
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WOW ! RIP! Met the man back in 1980 nice guy
Condolences to the family. His battle may be over and from this earth, he has passed but his memory and accomplishments will for ever stand, in the history of motocross and his fans...
Cancer has taken way too many good people this year. I guess you could say that every year.
He looked good on those factory 250 Suzukis, kind of like a European Howerton. I forgot about the 500 titles being as a privateer. You would have thought a factory would have picked him up after the first one. RIP George.
Mr. Jobe's making some epic laps in the sky above. Godspeed Sir.
Sad news... One of the 1980's Titans.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YE7bggelWOw
Awesome rider loved watching him
ride the Honda Works bikes at Carlsbad. One of the great US rivals. Thoughts and prayers.
RIP Georges Jobe, one of the greats.
You could not pick up a moto mag in the eighties without seeing his name. He was fast and had a very long career. Forgot about the paralyzing injury. The GP's had a lot more clout back then. RIP . Condolences to his family. A hero to many .
Horrible news. Godspeed George.
Godspeed George.
I had the opportunity to know him personally during a 1 week riding camp in Italy in the early 90s. What a nice guy, lots of fun off the track and so serious on the track. I remember him as a machine and ultrastrong competitor yet as a friend off the bike.
So saddened to hear the news of Georges passing! He was a great champion, loved by all!
Words can not express the imense pride I felt when you told me and Alan Bott you were taking the painting we presented, into your hospital room to show the doctors and nurses, whilst you endured chemo for your Leukemia treatment.
To then see the painting there on a Belgian TV programme and how you talked about the courage it gave you to fight till the end was so moving!
We fondly remember sitting in your kitchen and you said;
"I'm not supposed to drink beer with all these tablets, but fcuk it, this is a special day, we need to toast!"
Listening to you talking about old times, current GP motocross, drinking ice cold Juliper beer, 2 hours past in the blink of an eye, a special moment we will cherish forever!
RIP Georges a true legend whose spirit and memories will never fade with the passing of time.
As soon as I know any funeral details or an address for cards/flowers will let you guys know
Tears from Belgium ...
Thierry.
Never forget watching him ride in white M Robert gear on his bright green Works Kawasaki at a Christmas Moto Cross at Valkensvaard. And never forget the moment when my mom noticed him at a race in Holland and he just looked over to her , waved to her and smiled. And George, you looked so cool on your Works Suzuki in '83. I am really hard- broken about the loss of one of the sports greatest. Thanks for the years, Getorges, you will stay forever in my heart.
Sad news for sure, only 51 years old. He was for sure a MASTER and will ALWAYS be remembered as one.
RIP Mr Jobe
R I P and Godspeed to one of our sports best. Brings back memories, for sure.
Watched cancer take my grandfather in 1981. He is in peace now and spreading his love to others. He was only one year older than I am. He did live a wonderful life. He will be missed by many.
RIP Georges & Godspeed...
Saw him at the Unadilla USGP several times in the early '80's, an incredible talent!!! Condolences to all his family, he was one of the all-time greats!!!
Always sad to hear of the passing of one of our brothers, RIP!
This is sad to hear. My only encounter with Jobe was a good one. I was at the 1991 USGP at Glen Helen as a spectator. Georges was standing next to J.M.Bayle and I went to get an autograph from them. I waited for them to finnish talking and approached them. Bayle compleatly ignored me but Georges could not have been more of a gentleman. He was laughing at how JMB was acting and I did wind up getting both autographs. they both left a lasting impression on me, but for different reasons!
I too remember watching George and those damn Belgians at the USGP @ the Glen.
I remember him beating R.J. and not many people ever did that.
R.I.P.
And Rip it up!
This man was so sweet, and aggresive in the dirt, not a good time for me fellas, just buried my mom yesterday, at least no more pain for either, Santa cant bring me anything better than seeing the suffering for both end.
http://www.cahallfuneralhomes.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1875588&fh_id=13144
I remember meeting Mr. Jobe at the special benefit event at Hangtown for Magoo. We were all talking about how it was like being at a very strange national with so many different types of top riders either attending the event or racing in the event. I specifically remember his strange shorts, of course it was Hangtown hot, but his day-glow green shorts we way too short – and we all gave him shit about it, even Danny.
We drank beer, at least I did, standing around laughing and BS’ing about the sport. He had a lot of respect for the US riders and wanted to ride here in the US. He was such a nice fellow and so respectful and caring, “I’m here for Danny” – he said.
Back then, all the European racers where such mesmerizing figures to me, as well as those exotic works bikes. Whether you were a journalist/rider, rider or just a fan, we all lived thru the US moto magazines that helped us understand those incredible European tracks and the larger-then-life men who conquered them.
Mr. Jobe was one of those men.
It’s such a shame to hear this terrible news; I’m glad that we are all here to share our thoughts about it. GodSpeed George Jobe, you will be missed.
Heaven just got faster!! Godspeed Mr Jobe!! Sad, Very sad..
Was over in Sweden in '82 and the picture I have of Jobe and his works Suzuki at the GP is one of my prized photos of that trip. Always liked him since. Really sad to hear that he's gone.
He was only 51 so young in my book ........tears..RIP.............................................
I was 18 yrs old and traveling around Europe in '83 and caught a GP round I believe in Italy when Jobe and Laporte were dicing it out for the 250 crown, and was on the corner where Jobe made the pass and took the championship. They were both riding works bikes, Laporte on the white Yamaha, and Jobe on the Suzuki, and both rocking JT gear....also caught Team USA in Belgium for the MXdes Nations. Good times.
Sincere condolences to his friends and family. Never had the chance to meet him but loved watching him ride growing up in the 80's. He clearly knew how to win on every size and type of motorcycle.
Most definitely one of the great Belgian riders to make his mark through-out the '80's. Three 500cc GP titles on a privateers, bike and income. "WTF"
51 years old is much too young to vacate the building.
Rest In Peace. George Jobe
Godspeed. Sincere Condolences to Family. I'm 51 yr old ex Pro of same vintage and George was always someone I looked up to and looked forward to racing.
A life well lived!
Very very sad news on George Jobe passing away aged only 51.
He most done more in his life than any of us ever dream though,but,that does not help his family at this sad time.
I was at Hawkstone wen he done that jump and it will live with me until my grave.
He alaways had time to chat.
My symphathys to his family,he was a hero and his family should be proud of wat he done to the motocross world.
R.I.P. George Jobe
Paul,Wales,UK
He showed me how to ride when he was in Dubai, what a great teacher and an awesome rider, god speed George. keep riding those 2 wheels in the sky, your a legend that will be missed. my thoughts and condolences with your family