Robert F. Jacobs
One of the nicest and hardest working proprietors the Muskegon area has ever seen over the years. Bob got his start at the tender age of 14, parking cars and setting pins at the N&K Bowling Center for Ralph Kuris- not knowing then that Ralph would be a big part of his life. By 1957, when the old Northway Lanes (now AMF-Muskegon Lanes) was built, Bob had worked his way up to being Ralph's head Mechanic. Bob was named manager of the " New Northway Lanes" built in 1967. In 1975, Ralph made Bob his partner . Bob said, " If it hadn't been for Ralph Kuris, I probably wouldn't have been in the bowling business. He was like a big brother to me". When Ralph passed away in 1989, Bob assumed full ownership. He still remains President while his sons, Brad and Mike, run the business.
Bob's love of bowling made it rather easy to run and promote the sport in many different ways, helping to start the largest junior program in Muskegon area in 1960. In just two short years, the program grew to 42/5 person teams, which filled the house at the 'Old Northway". The "Goodwilles" bowling program is still going strong today. On the State level he has helped attract the Moose, Eagles, Michigan State Men's and Women's, United Parcel Service and other prominent tourneys to the Muskegon Area. On the National level, Bob organized efforts to attract the Polish Falcons National Tournament to Muskegon.
Bob wasn't to bad on the lanes, with a high game of 279 and high series of 696 to go along with his highest average of 183. However, he never bowled in his own center, he said he couldn't get relaxed!. Through his dedication of over 40 years to the promotion of sanctioned league and tournament competition in the Muskegon area, his participation in them and his genuine love for the people associated with bowling, welcome Bob, you've earned your place with your peers!.