Thomas H. Jacobson, 87
Thomas H. Jacobson, 87, lifelong resident of Coeur d’Alene, went home to his Lord and Savior Jan. 29, 2013. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family and was able to say good-bye before he slipped away.
Tom was born May 30, 1925, in Coeur d’Alene to Matthew and Julia Jacobson, both immigrants, the youngest of their 11 children. His father passed away when his mother was only three months pregnant with him. He later joined his older brothers and sisters working on their family farm to make ends meet.
In 1943, he graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School where he excelled in all sports. Tom was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene. Later he coached basketball at Immaculate Heart of Mary High School for many years.
In 1944, Tom enlisted in the United States Merchant Marines, experiencing the war conflict while supporting our military in the field. After his service years, Tom logged many areas of North Idaho and Eastern Montana with several of his brothers, working as a sawyer.
1947 saw him marry his greatest love, Catherine Dawson. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Oct. 11, 2012. Together they gave life to Pat, Rick (June), Judy (Doug Cornutt), Dan (Terri), Ron (Susie), Jan (deceased) and Anna (Jeff Wood). His daughter Jan passed away when she was only 3 years old, the result of a brain tumor. Tom has now been reunited with her, the father he never knew, and the many others that predeceased him.
In 1968 he started “Jacobson Tree Service.” After some time, his son Dan began working with him. Eventually Dan took over the business and when Tom decided to retire, he sold the business to Dan who now operates it with his sons, Adam and Nick.
Tom enjoyed his retirement working in his shop, puttering around the yard, traveling and taking part in family get-togethers. He was an avid Gonzaga basketball fan and truly loved a good game of cards. He was also very proud of the fact that he planted an acorn in his yard more than 50 years ago and it is now the largest red oak tree in Coeur d’Alene. This beautiful tree he would share each year with Sorenson School children. They would plan a field trip to come pick up acorns from his yard and plant them in their own yards. Tom would share with the children the history of the tree and how they should plant their acorns. This delighted Tom.
Tom was a remarkable man — strong but also gentle, caring and generous. He was always reaching out to help others, even strangers. He was especially fond of babies and small children. His legacy is 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren with others on the way. He was particularly proud of the accomplishments of his children. But it was he who set the standard for all of us to follow. Tom was a noble man. Sleep sweet prince, sleep.
His family suggests memorial contributions to St. Thomas Catholic Church Building fund or St. Vincent de Paul.
Vigil service for Tom will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, with his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 919 E. Indiana Ave., Coeur d’Alene.
Please sign Tom’s guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.