Colonel James Forrest Jacobsen (Ret.) passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2016, in Helena, Montana. He was 75.
Jim was born in Havre, a suburb of Chinook, Montana, on May 3, 1941, to Rich and Faye Jacobsen joining older brothers Dick and Larry.
Jim was raised in Chinook as a proud Sugarbeeter, participating in athletics as player and coach, forming lifetime friendships and family bonds.
Upon completing high school, Jim attended Montana State University, now known as the University of Montana, and began his military career as a soldier through ROTC. He completed his undergraduate degree in Education in Missoula and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. During his years in the Army, Jim finished his Master’s degree through Webster College. Jim met his truest love and best friend, Carol Buor, in college. Married on September 13, 1964, Jim and Carol recently celebrated 52 years of marriage.
Jim and Carol’s lives in the Army brought 23 moves, many friendships and many more memories from all around the world. During their 28 years in the Army, they raised a family of boys, fondly referred to as “My Three Sons” by their adoring Dad. Upon retirement in 1992, Montana drew Jim and Carol back to the home that they truly loved. Jim served in his second career as Administrator of Veterans Affairs for the State of Montana that brought another retirement in 2002. Col. James F. Jacobsen spent his life advocating for and serving our state and nation’s soldiers.
Throughout the years, Jim was active in many organizations that he held in highest regard. Those include the Chinook Masonic Lodge, Montana Supreme Court Commission on Practice, Montana American Legion, Montana Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, and Association of US Army. He was also loyal to the YMCA, serving on the board and arriving daily to complete his workout.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers and their wives.
Jim is survived by his wife Carol; his sons Kurt (Emily), Kevin (Kristen), Kyle (Katie); his 8 precious grandchildren, Tyler, Robbie, Jamie, Reilly, Molly, Courtney, Allie, and Nathan; his aunt Wanda Sheets; his extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews; his countless, devoted friends; and his beloved Daisy. Jim’s love of his family and friends was deep and his pride was truly profound.
Many people in many places were touched by Jim’s steadfast integrity, calm patience, loyalty, kindness and extraordinary humor. He was always the teacher and mentor and known as a man of few words yet every one mattered. Jim was a faithful fan of Montana Grizzly Football and every activity that his sons and grandchildren participated in. Papa Jim and Gramma Carol lovingly drove thousands of miles to make sure that their grandchildren’s biggest fans were in the stands.
A Memorial Celebration will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue in Helena, on Thursday, January 5, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow the service at the funeral home. Jim’s burial with full military honors will take place at a later date at Fort Harrison. Memorials may be sent to The Montana State Veterans Cemetery or Hospice of St Peter’s.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share of memory of James.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday January 5, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Thursday January 5, 2017
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 16, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday January 5, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Thursday January 5, 2017
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 16, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Terry Harris says
Carol, so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy.
Mary Gail says
Carol I was so shocked this am when I saw where Jim had passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and know that you are in my thoughts. Jim was such a very special Guy and he will be missed by all that knew him. God Bless. Mary Gail
Julie Ludtke says
Carol and family,
There are no words that we can convey that will easy your unspeakable sorrow. We are so deeply saddened by Jims passing. Please know we have been praying and thinking of you constantly.
We love you and will be in touch.
Doug and Julie
Julie Jackson says
Dear Carol & family,
Our thoughts and prayers have been for you since learning of Jim’s passing. To say he will be missed by those who knew him well seems somehow not enough. We have loved you both and the sorrow we feel is so very deep. You know we are here for you always.
Julie & Dave
Jean Faure says
Carol:
I so admired and loved Jim. Holding you in my heart.
Jean
Kim and Henry Flatow says
Carol and family,
We were so shocked to learn of Jim’s passing. Henry enjoyed the discussions he had with Jim at the YMCA. He will be missed. Our deepest condolences. God bless you.
Jill & Dale Anderson says
Dear Aunt Carol,
Dale and I send our deep condolences in the passing of Uncle Jimmy…..Our heart aches for you and your beautiful family tho we will forever cherish our memories of him….
Praying for comfort and peace to guide you thru this difficult time….
Our love to you,
Jill and Dale
Shannon Callahan says
Carol,
My mom just sent me a message, we are out of town. I am speechless and so sad. You and Jim are two of my favorite people. Thinking of you with love and prayers.
Shannon
Shana Kain says
Carol,
Steve and I are heartbroken at Jim’s passing. Know that we are thinking of you.
Shana
Sue Orr says
Carol,
Please know I am thinking of you and I am shocked and saddened . You an Jim created a beautiful family and an amazing life together.
Much love,
Susie Reber Orr
Becky Foster says
Sending love to you, Carol. You and Jim were and will always be a couple of special friends. So sorry for your loss and so many blessings to you and your family. Lots of love there.
Jerry and Helga Bell says
Dear Carol and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We know you all are heartbroken and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May the memories of the years you had together and the beautiful family you created comfort you. We send out love.
Jerry and Helga
Mike Griffith says
Carol,
I’m stunned and heartbroken to learn of Jim’s death. I feel the loss of a true friend. When we visited recently he was so upbeat (as usual) about your plans to head south, and left me with his signature message, “I voted for you”! Jim was a special person. My prayers are with you and your family.
Bill Dismukes says
We can never forget our camping trip in Europe in the “knee deep lagoon” we will miss Jim but never miss our found time together.
Bill & Gerda
Dudley Williams says
Carol . So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.
Linda Jacobsen says
Dear Carol, I am so so saddened about Jim. My heart aches for you. The news was so sudden and shocking. I’ve always loved you and Jim. You were my happiest connection to the Jacobsen family. Jim was such a strong, quiet, devoted, loving and kind man to everyone. I’m thankful for time I shared with you. I’m always a phone call away, anytime. For now I will give you space but know you are in my heart and prayers. Much love to you and all of your wonderful family. Linda
Mary Kay Bennett says
My dear Carol & family.
In the silence of my heart, I will pray a thousand prayers for you. I am so sorry.
The Lord is near to the broken-hearted.
Your friend, Mary Kay
Floss and Jerry Foster says
Dear Carol. Jerry and I are so saddened by the loss of Jim. There are people who you meet in life who you absolutely love immediately. You and Jim are among those who we wish we had met sooner. Who would have thought we would have him taken so soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless.
Floss and Jerry Foster
Robin Gibb Akkerman says
Oh my goodness, Carol. We are so, so sorry. Such a tremendous loss. Thinking of/praying for, you, the boys and the entire family. Mom is here with us this week. Much love, Robin & Dan Akkerman and Shirley Gibb.
Jim Barfknecht says
Carol…we are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing….we send our love and prayers from the warmth to you at this difficult time…the griz nation has lost a good one…love barf and marcia
jill and randy gibb says
Oh Carol – We are so sorry to hear of your loss…sending love, prayers and hugs to your whole family. Jim was a special man and will be so missed….
Renon Ford says
Carol, I cannot tell you how sorry and sad and heartbroken I am for you and your family at the news of Jim’s passing. Such a shock. Tim and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Renon
Marcia & Pat Thompson says
To all the Jacobsen family
Please accept our regrets and know you’re in our thoughts and prayers.. we feel we’ve lost way too many Jacobsen in the last two years..Peace❤️??
Gary and Jane Upshaw says
Since our early days in Chinook, through our most recent time together, Cousin Jim was always a special, positive influence, on the lives he touched. Carol, we join the many many friends, and family, expressing our Love and sympathy to You, Your Sons, and Family, during this difficult time. Our Memories of Jim will always be strong, and he will be greatly missed.
With Much Love, Gary and Jane
Susan Marcinek says
To the Jacobsen Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He was a man of true integrity. He lead by example; always a voice of reason and fairness in considering any issue. I pray that in your time of sorrow, your memories will sustain you and nurture you. Jim will be greatly missed by so many; heaven is richer today by our loss.
Susan Parshall Marcinek
Frank and Karen Rowan says
Dear Carol and family,
Frank and I were so sad to see that Jim had passed away. Jim was such a kind, generous man and will be missed by his family and friends. Our deepest condolences to all of you during this difficult time.
Wanda Sheets says
My dear Carol and family,
I can’t put into words how I feel with the loss of Jim. He was always there for the family and friends when he was needed.He will be so missed as he was so loved.A real Gem…..
Aunt Wanda
Tammy (Berger) Jones says
Carol and Family
I too am with everyone else on the shocking news of Jim’s passing. Growing up next door to Rich and Faye, I became acquainted with Jim and Carol thru my mom. Two of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Jim truly will be missed by all who knows him. My thoughts and prayers to you and the boys and their families. God Bless
Don and Marilyne Berger an Family says
Dear Carol and family,
I was so shocked to see Jim passing. I have many fond memories in High School and as neighbors. He was always friendly and very outgoing. Our prayers and support are with all of you.
Shirley J. Gibb says
The Gift of Friendship…life-long friendship… was given to my Gibb Family by Jim and Carol Jacobson many years ago when they moved to Stevens Point, Wisconsin. We are merely one family of thousands so affected by Jim’s compassion and kindness . His legacy lives on…. There are tears of grief and sadness but the abundance of memories of his eternal goodness leaves each of us filled with gratitude that we met, and knew, and admired an honorable man.
Jon Moe says
I have known Jim for several years, initially through legislative activities and more recently at the YMCA. He was a good man. I will miss our visits. I am sorry for your loss. God bless.
John & Cherie Dahl says
So sorry Carol and the rest of the family. Really enjoyed talking sports, military, and other things the past several years with Jim. Was such a pleasure to be around.
ROGER HAGAN says
I have known Jim since his first days as the administrator of the Veteran’s Affairs Division in 1992. I always found laughter, joy and great council in our times together. I will miss our times on the bench at the Capitol visiting and scheming for the best outcomes for our veterans. My prayers to the family.
Sue and Jeff Miller says
Carol and family,
It was always a pleasure to enjoy a shared memory of Chinook. Please accept our deepest expression of sympathy. You are in our thoughts. GO BEETERS!!
Michael Inman says
Carol & Family: Thinking of you during this difficult time. Jake was my childhood hero and a great role model for the kids he coached in Chinook. Always looked forward to visiting Jim on your trips to Chinook. He will be forever missed.
Dick and Ardis (Palm) Conrad says
We send our sympathy and friendship to all the family…..God bless all your wonderful memories of Jim.
Mary Lou and Ernie Ratzburg says
Dear Carol,
Jim’s death is a sad loss for you, your family, and many others. His obituary was a fine tribute to a very warm and caring man. We know you have a wonderful loving family and rich memories to cherish. May you find comfort in the legacy of wisdom, kindness, and love that he has left.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincere sympathy,
John Moran says
Carol. Just saw the notice of Jim’s passing in the March issue of MOAA magazine. Margie and I were shocked at the news. We are saddened by your loss and will keep you and your family in our prayers. John and Margie Moran.
Alan Nasluind says
“Jake” and I attended Cyinook HIgh School together. We traveled snowy roads to Missoula together to attend UM. “Jake” was a true friend and an office of great cfredit to himselfand his family in the US Army.
Alan Nasluind says
“Jake” and I attended Cyinook HIgh School together. We traveled snowy roads to Missoula together to attend UM. “Jake” was a true friend and an office of great cfredit to himselfand his family in the US Army. We were preident and vice president of Student Council in CHS in 1959.
Alan Nasluind says
Jake and I wentto Chinook HIgh School and were officers in Student Council together. We drove together through the years of going to the Univesity of Montana to get to classes, It was great to have such a fgriend and to hear of his military successes,