Charlie Jacob

Charlie Jacob

Resident of San Jose

Escaped from war torn Burma with his family during World War II and settled in Northern India until December 1947. They then boarded a small tramp steamer to find their way to New York then Philadelphia. He was 13. He learned to be American in Philadelphia schools and loved the experience of being an American.

After two years of college, he entered the US Naval Flight School at Pensacola and earned his wings and an ensign's commission. The family was extremely proud. Charlie served as a Navy carrier pilot and had some 200 carrier takeoffs and landings while stalking Soviet submarines in the North Atlantic from the carrier decks of US carriers and even while flying off the deck of a Netherlands carrier.

Upon discharge from active duty, Charlie earned his BA from San Jose St. Univ. and joined the Naval Air Reserves and became a Weekend Warrior. His civilian life had him in aviation as a commercial airline pilot flying many types of aircraft from DC3s, to Martins, to Fokkers. He later was hired by Pan American World Airways and flew different models of the Boeing 707 and the Boeing 747 including the aircraft he loved most, the state of the art 747-400.

His life with his beloved Navy continued and he was promoted to squadron commander of the A-3 Skywarrior aircraft for five years. He continued to maintain his aircraft carrier skills by re-qualifying aboard the A-3 Skywarrior until he was 40.

At age 40 he was promoted to Captain. He retired from the Navy at age 43 in 1977. After a glorious 30 accident free years with Pan Am/United, Charlie retired from United at age 60 and took his passions to the golf course. Charlie survived by his darling wife of 32+ years, Barbara, 1 brother, 3 adult sons, 1 step daughter and 12 grandchildren. To hear him tell his story, he feels he was the luckiest man on God's earth.

In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your favorite charity. A memorial is planned for 11:00 AM Friday, October 29th at the Almaden Golf and Country Club.