December 16, 1937 – January 14, 2026
James A. “Jake” Jacobsen was born on December 16, 1937, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Einar A. (Al) Jacobsen and Leta Mae (Brungardt) Jacobsen. He passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2026, surrounded by love, with his wife of 67 years, Sharon (Sharp) Jacobsen; his son, Jim (JJ) Jacobsen; and his loyal dog, Buddy, by his side.
Jim proudly served his country as a Navy Seabee in the late 1950s, stationed on Guam, where he helped build quarters and roads for incoming Navy personnel. In 1958, he returned home to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he built a long and dedicated career. After 40 years of service with the Lincoln Telephone Company, Jake retired in 1998.
Retirement suited him well, allowing time to enjoy the things he loved most; fishing, riding motorcycles, RV-ing in Arizona during the winters, golfing, and taking pride in driving his beloved 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, Jim selflessly participated in several clinical trial studies, hoping his involvement would help others facing the same illness. He was deeply proud of his service as a veteran and lived his life with quiet strength and generosity.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Wally and Jerry; his sister, Shirley (Paul) Eisenbarth; and his parents-in-law, Lewis and Frances Sharp.
He is lovingly survived by his wife, Sharon; his son, James Jacobsen; his granddaughter, Hailee Jacobsen; his daughter-in-law, Billi Jacobsen; his brother-in-law, Vernon (Lola) Sharp; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.
The family would like to thank all friends and family who have expressed their condolences to Jimmy and Sharon at Jim’s passing. They also extend heartfelt gratitude to the Veterans Administration and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Jim in his home.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held 2:00 pm to 7:00 with Military Honors at 3:00 p.m. on March 20, 2026 at Isle’s Event Hall, Havelock. Parking in the back. Donations made to the family will be directed to Veterans Organizations.
So very sorry for your loss. Jake was a friend of my dads, Roy Shelton. They knew each other from the phone company. I remember growing up my family used to go camping at Harlan County lake in south central Nebraska & Jake and Sharon would sometimes join us in their own camper for a fun filled time of fishing and camping. Rest in peace Jake and may the Lord give comfort to your family in this time of grief.
Thank you John. I remember those days at Harlan County. your Dad was such a Southern Gentleman and your Mom Yvonne such a good friend. Jim lived to fish. He had been fight caner since 2000. He gave a good fight but the body can only take so much. We are glad he was at home with us. Hope Yvonne is stilll living a good life and having fun. Sharon
bev and i were next door neighbors to jim and sharon and jimmy in the late 60,s . we could not have asked for better neighbors. jim worked for the phone co and i worked for the gas co. one night (when both our kids were still little) i was coming home from the night shift on christmas eve and (jim had beat me home) there he was out in front yard in his bathrobe with a broom handle making marks in the snow to show that santa had landed his sleight to deliver presents.
so sorry sharon, jimmy thanks for taking care of my cars all those years.
sincerely lloyd and bev natalie & lisa weathermon.
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We had nice times together in the Royal Rovers camping group.