HAROLD JACOBSON Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 15, 2013.

HAROLD (JAKE)

JACOBSON

Harold M. (Jake) Jacobson, age 79, of Green Valley, AZ, died suddenly and peacefully of a heart attack at his home on the morning of Oct. 26, 2013.

He left us in the middle of the Red Sox Series, and some say they were glad he didn't see the game that night. Jake was on his way that morning to the ARC in Tucson, iPhone and iPad and 12x12 in hand, to meet with those he always had faith in. Jake died a man of honor, purpose, kindness, and love, but most of all, he died sober. And that was his most cherished possession.

Jake was the beloved husband, soul mate, confidant and exploring companion to Laurie Anne Jacobson for almost 18 years. Jake was a non sequitur debater of the highest order and could routinely win the most complex argument with the art of sheer cunning and bafflement. They met and forged a deep personal bond, growing their marriage based upon the foundation of the Steps and daily bursts of belly laughter. The odds were good but the goods were odd.

Jake found his truest friends, his entire future, and his purpose in life within the rooms we love so well, and he took what he could and extended his hand. In return, he said he was given the gift of The Promises. Jake expressed that gratitude every day.

Jake was born Oct. 1, 1934, in Medford, MA, the only son of Harold & Rachel (Gill) Jacobson. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served 4 years in the Seabees during the Korean Conflict. He loved his country and never left it again.

Jake returned to Boston after his service, making his living in the construction trades and later as a Facilities Engineer for Exxon Corp. He had been a life-long son of Boston.

In 1996, Jake relocated to Seattle, WA after marrying Laurie, and at 62 years of age, began a new life and a new career. He joined Quadrant Homes, working as a Personal Service Representative during the boom years of housing development for master-planned communities owned by Weyerhaeuser Company in the Pacific Northwest.

Jake retired from that position at the age of 75, after 13 happy and productive years. His many friends and colleagues at Quadrant Homes will remember him for his unflagging commitment to his work ethic but most especially, for his happy, optimistic presence, a friend to all he worked with and a mentor to many. Jake spent every rowdy season in the stands with them, cheering on the Red Sox and Patriots in the face of Mariners and Seahawks fans, but he was always forgiven and took his losses with the same good will as he took his wins.

Jake was Boston, through and through, but loved his life in Seattle as well, and when he retired to Green Valley, Jake believed it to be a blessing and a gift straight from his Higher Power to live in such a beautiful place and find his friends who spoke The Language of The Heart, even if it was sometimes hidden behind the countless jokes, laughter, ribbing and good times they shared to the very end. Jake loved AA, and he loved all you guys. And he said so, every day.

In addition to his wife, Jake is survived by 3 children: Steven Jacobson (Laurie) of Marston Mills, MA; Eric Jacobson (Jerilynn) of Dracut, MA; and Beth (Jacobson) King of Kittery, Maine; three grandchildren: Scott and Daniel Jacobson of Hockessin, DE and Kevin Jacobson of Dracut, MA.

Jake leaves two sisters: Muriel Donovan (Richard) of Maryland and Cape Cod, and Elsie Jacobson of Medford, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved and laughed with "Uncle Muncle." Jake was predeceased recently by his eldest son, Harold M. Jacobson III of Lowell, MA, and by his eldest sister, Hazel McAuliffe (David) of Bedford, MA. Hazel, at 12 years old, took her 6-year-old baby brother and they ran away. They only made it as far as the bakery, where they spent their road money on eclairs. The beat cop walked them the six blocks back home on that sunny Saturday afternoon in 1940. Jake said he didn't know where they were going but he liked the food right away.

Any remembrances may be made to the Tucson, AZ. Salvation Army Men's Rehabilitation Center, 717 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85725 (520) 624-1741.

Jake is now a happy member of The Big Meeting in the Sky. "God could and would if He were sought." Go Sox.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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