Robert 'Jake' Jacobson
Robert C. “Jake” Jacobson of Whitefish passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 13, 2011.
Jake will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
Jake was born in Whitefish on March 14, 1933, to Andy and Lucille Jacobson. He spent his childhood in Whitefish and attended Whitefish schools. Jake married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Mason, on June 1, 1953. Shirley and Jake recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.
Jake joined the Navy in 1951 and served in Korea. Jake and Shirley lived in San Francisco during those years. After his discharge, the couple returned to their hometown. They started a business and started a family living on Texas Avenue near family for the next seven years. Sons Bobby and Danny were born in 1956 and 1958. Tragically, Bobby passed away from complications of a spinal meningococcal virus in 1962.
In 1961 Jake took a job with the U.S. Forest Service. The family moved to Billings to begin a new journey and remained there for eight years. Their son Mason (Smokey) was born there in 1963.
The family than settled in Orofino, Idaho, and remained there until Jake’s retirement in 1988. The couple then returned to their hometown of Whitefish, settling in the Mason family home on Texas Avenue.
Jake had many hobbies and interests and was always busy puttering around or fixing something. He enjoyed four-wheeling, snowmobiling, hunting and working with various service organizations including the Moose Lodge, Elks, VFW, Sheriff's Posse and Clearwater Search and Rescue. Jake was the founding member of the Iguana's in 1976 in Orofino. Shirley and Jake had the opportunity to travel and to spend time with family and friends camping and boating all over the United States.
Jake was preceded in death by his parents; younger brother, Dan; and son, Bobby. Surviving him is his wife, Shirley; sons Dan and wife Dawn of Whitefish and the North Fork and Mason and wife Debbie, currently residing in Belize; Dan’s sons: AJ of California and Tyler and wife Malarie, currently serving in the U.S. Army stationed in North Carolina; Dawn’s sons: Nathan, Garrett and wife, Liz and Thane and Baylee; Mason’s children: David, Jeremy, Anna, Joel, Grace, Daniel, Mercy and Isaiah; a sister, Betty; and brother, Bruce; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Jake never failed to lend a hand or offer help. He was a master storyteller and had an infectious laugh and smile that could liven up any situation.
To our dear Jake: “A hole has been left in our hearts and in our lives. We will forever love and miss you!”
A memorial service is set for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at the Moose Lodge in Whitefish.