Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Jul 17, 1938 – Aug 24, 2023
James Franklin Jacobson, 85, passed away on August 24, 2023, at Bethany Home in Brandon, SD, with his daughters by his side.
Jim's funeral will be at Heritage Funeral Home on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow. Family will be present for visitation on Friday, September 1, 2023, from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home.
Jim Jacobson, son of Jacob and Mabel (Gudahl) Jacobson, was born July 17, 1938, in Howard, SD. He attended school in Howard and in Sioux Falls at Washington High School. Jim was united in marriage with Linda Cooper on February 8, 1969, in Sioux Falls, SD. Together they led a life committed to God, each other, and their daughters Roselyn and Danielle.
At an early age, Jim found a love for cooking with his mother. This passion led to a 30-year career in the restaurant business. He managed a variety of restaurants, including the Townhouse Cafe and The Cornerstone (Freeman, SD), Weiner King, Deli On the Mall, Bucksnort Junction, Taco Bandito, and Here’s Johnny’s (Sioux Falls, SD). In later years, Jim was the office manager for Dakota Glass and Mirror.
The most important thing in Jim’s life was his relationship with God. His shining kindness was how he showed God’s love to others. Being active in the church was important to him. Jim served many years as the Sunday School Superintendent, played a variety of instruments during the song service, wrote plays, and cooked meals for the Assemblies of God Family camp and also for those in need in Sioux Falls. Love and devotion to family was a theme throughout Jim’s life. His selfless and innate ability to care for others started in his teen years when his father was ill. It continued while he was raising his daughters, when his mother got older, and when his wife needed him most. This kindness was also extended to all he met especially the past ten years at both City Center Apartments and Bethany Home in Brandon. His vim and vigor for life made an indelible impression on those who knew him and cared for him.
The icing on the cake of his life was spending time with and spoiling his grandchildren. In their words,
“He radiated warmth and was a walking sunshine.” ~Sami
“He was a true Norwegian at heart, loving both lefse (with NO sugar) and lutefisk.” ~Morgan
“He never looked down on the world.” ~Jackson
“He was a kind and considerate man who loved to live and laugh.” ~Jacob
Grateful for having shared his life are two daughters: Roselyn (Tim) Schillerstrom, and Danielle (Scott) Nelson; four grandchildren: Jacob and Morgan Schillerstrom and Sami and Jackson Nelson; sister-in-law, Gina Jacobson; and nieces: Jackie (Mike) Stribling and Samantha Cooper; and so many others he considered family, including Miriam Clinton and Graham Clinton and Shannon Love. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brother, Carleton Jacobson, and his infant brother Harold Jacobson.
Roselyn and Danielle would like to express our deepest appreciation to the staff of Bethany Home, Avera Hospice, and Avera Dialysis. Your love, care, and expertise are invaluable. You are angels.
The service will be livestreamed at
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So sorry that your Dad passed. Ron Swanson called Don tonight. Your Dad and Us went back to the Church of Bible days. Our Thoughts and prayers are with you.He is with his Lord and family. Rejoicing .❤
Don and Jeanette Graves
September 02, 2023 | Harrisburg, SD | Friend
Roselyn and Danielle I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. He was such a wonderful man! He always was so thoughtful and caring! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! Love you both! ❤
Teresa Wilka
September 01, 2023 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
Roselyn, Danielle and families,
I remember Jim as a kind, gentle presence while your house was filled with day care kids. A hard working man who loved his family deeply. May he rest in peace and until you meet again May God hold him in the palm of His hands.
Kathy Friedman (Danielle, Ross, Barry)
Kathy Friedman
August 31, 2023 | Sioux Falls, SD
I only knew Jim for a short time. His apartment at Bethany Meadows was very close to my mom’s apartment. He was always quick to say “hi” and I soon learned his name and thought “what a nice guy”. One day he was just getting back from his dialysis treatment as I was walking in. He was sitting there and I could tell right away he was a bit weak. There was nobody else around so I told him I’d give him a hand. I helped him stand and kept a tight hold on him while I got him in his own...
Nancy Kohler
August 31, 2023 | Brandon, SD | Friend
Jim was a wonderful man. I remember him most by his faithfulness at church at Sioux Falls First. Also, we were with him at family camp when he was a chef. The Lord comfort your hearts.
Rachel Schaible
August 29, 2023 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
Summertime fun with family.
Summertime fun with family.
Corey Thompson
August 29, 2023 | BRANDON, SD | Friend
I have been so blessed getting to know Jim the past couple of years. His kindness and love for people always radiated from him. I'm grateful for sweet smiles, fun stories on outings and in the hallways, hugs, a few chair dances, some cooking hints for spaghetti, and "oh, yums" when he taste-tested lefse, krumkake or other things we made! My deepest sympathy to all the family at this time. He truly made a difference in many people's lives. Till we meet him again... God's peace to you all.
Corey Thompson
August 29, 2023 | BRANDON, SD | Friend
