Pinehurst Police: Pastor died of self-inflicted gunshot wound

PINEHURST — A pastor who was reported missing Tuesday and was found dead after an extensive search died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Pinehurst Police Department said in a press release.

"Based on the investigation and evidence so far, there is no reason to suspect foul play," the release said.

Gene Jacobs, 59, left his home about 5:30 a.m. and was scheduled to attend a meeting at Real Life Ministries Silver Valley that morning, but never arrived. Jacobs had been the church's lead pastor for more than 15 years. Concerned church members called authorities and a search was soon organized.

"During the search Chief (John) Richter was told of potential threats made to Pastor Gene. Based on that information the search team investigated the possibility of an abduction. That was soon discounted when Pastor Gene’s water bottle was found up a walking trail that he is known to often hike," the release said.

The release said Jacobs' cellphone provider was contacted to locate and potentially track his movements. 

"There was no data available, and it was believed that the phone might have been shut off," the release said.

At about 6 p.m., Two Bear Air located Jacobs in a location off the trail. It had not been searched by teams on foot due to its remote, steep and wooded terrain. A recovery team found Jacobs deceased, the release said.

RLM Silver Valley issued a statement Wednesday.

“This is a huge loss to our congregation. We are doing our best to be the church that Jesus has called us to be. That means ministering to the needs of our congregation and the community. This is also a very difficult time for the Jacobs family. Your grace in giving them time and space to heal is appreciated.”

Jim Putman, senior pastor of RLM Post Falls, said Jacobs will be missed and coming to terms with his death “is very, very painful.”

“Gene was the kind of guy who leaves a huge hole because of who he was as a person,” Putman said. 

He said Jacobs and his wife, Christy, who also worked at RLM Silver Valley, were “some of the greatest servants I know."

Putman said Jacobs did a wonderful job leading RLM Silver Valley. The church has grown steadily in membership, to about 500, and opened a new building about two years ago. 

Putman said he was recently talking to people and Gene Jacobs name came up in the conversation.

“I told those people, this is one of the great men I know,” Putman said.

Putman said he doesn’t know what happened in regards to Jacobs’ death, or why, but he did know that Jacobs was a person who loved well.

“When you love well, you’re greatly missed,” he said.