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James E. Jacobson, 84, of Birmingham, passed away Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019. He was born in Mobile and was a graduate of Murphy High School. He married the former Diana Tremer, also of Mobile, in 1956. He joined The Birmingham News in 1959 after earning bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from The University of Alabama. During his career as a reporter and editorial writer, he covered national political conventions, presidential campaigns, and civil rights, and had overseas assignments including the Middle East and war correspondence from Vietnam. He was editorial page editor and then managing editor before becoming editor of The News in 1978, serving in that position until his retirement in 1997. As editor, he was responsible for both news coverage and editorial commentary in Alabama's largest newspaper. Under his editorial guidance The News received a Pulitzer Prize in editorial writing in 1991 for a series of editorials on the need for tax reform in Alabama. Mr. Jacobson received numerous journalism awards, including induction into The University of Alabama's College of Communication and Information Sciences Communication Hall of Fame in 2011. Mr. Jacobson was active with Leadership Birmingham, Leadership Alabama, the Salvation Army, and the United Way of Central Alabama, and was past president of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diana. He is survived by children James. E. Jacobson Jr. (Laura), Jennifer Jo Jacobson (Joey Richey), Jay Alan Jacobson (Jennifer S.), and Jayna P. Lamar (Jim Busby); siblings John, Phillip, Paul, Richard, and Lois Ezelle, and Frances Babb; grandchildren Leigh Jacobson, John C. Jacobson (Miho), Sarah Schaefers (Andrew), William A. Jacobson (Rebecca), Hannah Campbell (Elijah), Jackson Lamar, and Franklin Lamar; and great-grandchildren Jennifer T. Jacobson, Addison C. Schaefers, John C. Jacobson Jr., Sebastian M. Jacobson, and Elias E. Campbell. The family will receive visitors at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville on Friday, Jan. 25, from 5-7 p.m. with rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, Birmingham, Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m., followed by private graveside service. Memorial may be made to Alzheimer's of Central Alabama (www.alzca.org) and the Alabama Press Association Journalism Foundation (www.alabamapress.org ), or a charity of your choice.
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Still miss this kind and gentle man. Hope to see him soon, when the good Lord brings us all home. Blessings to the family.
Phil Ezelle
Brother
January 16, 2020
My deepest condolences. I remember Mr. Jacobson from my very first job at the News more than 30 years ago. I've always remembered the kindness he showed to everyone - even those of us interns.
Kimberly Collins
January 29, 2019
Thinking of you, Jennifer and family, and sending heartfelt sympathies. As you grieve this profound loss, know that an umbrella of love and understanding extends over you, and that your beloved dad will be well remembered.
Lynn Heasley
January 25, 2019
Sorry for your loss your Heavenly Father is there to comfort you
Lillie
January 25, 2019
To Jennifer Jacobson and Family: My condolences and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time of bereavement. Mr. Jacobson will be missed.
Carol McNair
January 24, 2019
My condolences to the Jacobson Family. May the God of comfort grant you strength during this difficult time.
January 24, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family members and friends. May the words of Jeremiah 29:11 comfort you during this time of loss. Sincerely, Roberts
January 24, 2019
Carolyn and I are definitely praying for y'all, we will miss Jim, but he is always in our hearts. Great memories of your family. May the Lord bless and keep y'all in His arms. We love y'all.
Phil and Carolyn Ezelle
January 23, 2019
jj, so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family will be in my heart. EB
January 23, 2019
I'll be thinking of you and your family much. Sending love your way.
Wanda Carruthers
January 23, 2019
Will Not Be Able To Attend Services Friday Or Saturday,Have All Of You In My Prayers And Will Continue To Do So.Love You All,
Uncle Johnny.Mobile,Al.
January 23, 2019
So sorry, Jennifer and family, for the loss of your Dad. Prayers for your family.
Jane Hovies
January 22, 2019
Jim was my guiding light, a friend and a confidant. He will always be my hero and I am in awe of his kindness and intelligence.
Your heartbroken sister, Frances
Frances Babb
January 22, 2019
A gentleman among gentlemen. Need more like him in this world. REst in Peace...my friend.
Jack Natter
January 22, 2019
Mr. Jacobson was my modeled patient at The Oakes, Bessemer. I loved him very much and He Loved me also. He always wanted me by his side at all times and would hold my hand when we would take walks. I will truly miss him and forever remember the love we had for each other. Prayers to Jennifer and Family. Love you
Shirley Ellis
January 22, 2019
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Funeral services provided by:
Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens Trussville1591 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham, AL 35235
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