Dr. Gene S. Jacobsen

Dr. Gene S. Jacobsen St. George, UT Dr. Gene Samuel Jacobsen, a prominent Utah educator and author, and World War II survivor, died peacefully at his home Friday, May 25, 2007, surrounded by his family. He was 85. Jacobsen was the author of "They Refused to Die", his inspirational, personal story of being a prisoner of war in the Philippines and Japan for 3-1/2 years, after surviving the infamous Bataan Death March. In recognition of his book, he was awarded the "Top National Honor, Public Communications Category" in 2005 by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. He was born September 19, 1921, in Bloomington, ID, the son of Joseph Cowley Jacobsen and Ethel May Draney Jacobsen. Shortly after his 19th birthday, Jacobsen enlisted in the Army Air Force. After basic training at Hamilton Field, CA, he was sent to the Philippine Islands with the 20th Pursuit Squadron. He was with his squadron at Clark Field when World War II began in December 1941. With the American Forces, he moved to defend the Bataan Peninsula until the Philippines fell to the Japanese in April of 1942. Jacobsen survived the Bataan Death March, and from April, 1942, until July of 1944, he worked in several Japanese camps in the Philippines. He was then transferred to Kyshu, Japan, where he worked in a coal mine until the war ended in August 1945. Upon returning to the United States, he was reunited with his high school sweetheart, Barbara Perkins, who was a gunnery instructor in the U.S. Navy WAVES. The two married November 10, 1945, in Seattle, WA. The marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. After an honorable discharge from the service, Jacobsen received BS and MS Degrees at Utah State University, and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of California at Berkeley. He served on the faculty at University of California in Davis. At USU, he was the first Director of Edith Bowen Laboratory School, an assistant professor of Education, an associate director of the University Extension Service, director of summer school, and professor of educational administration. Then the couple's overseas' adventures began in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Jacobsen was a member of a U of U team that established the faculty of education at the Haile Sellassie I University. He was a UNESCO expert with the Singapore Ministry of Education, and superintendent of the Saudi Arabian International School System in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. At the U of U, Jacobsen was an assistant dean of the Graduate School of Education and Chairman of the Department of Educational Administration. At the age of 60, Jacobsen was awarded the rank of professor emeritus. He did not retire. He became executive secretary of the Society of Utah School Superintendents and Associate Executive Director of the Utah School Boards Association. Among his many awards were the "Light of Learning Award" from the Utah State Board of Education, and two "Outstanding Service Awards" from the Utah School Boards Association. Throughout his life, he was a sought-after public speaker and consultant. He shared his war experiences with more than 100 different audiences. He authored To Japan With Encouragement and Hope, Jed Dawson (a novel), Santa's Dilemma, and co-authored A Christmas Gift of Poetry with his grandson, Sam Vicchrilli. He also wrote many songs and poems. A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jacobsen served as a Sunday School teacher, High Councilman and member of two bishoprics. He and his wife served LDS missions in Zimbabwe, Africa, and in Tempe, AZ. Jacobsen found great joy in such diverse hobbies as hiking, fishing, gardening, cooking, singing and playing the guitar and banjo. He was a graduate of the Nashville Auction School. He and Barbara were best friends, constant and loving companions who traveled the world to share their educational expertise. Jacobsen was a strong advocate for the less fortunate, and always generous with his time and resources. He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 61 years; and their children, Dr. Michael (Pam) Jacobsen, Pleasant View; JoAnn Jacobsen-Wells (Joe Leverich), Murray; Sue (David) Vicchrilli, Murray; 12 grandchildren; brothers, Whitey, Forrest and Larry. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marsel and Darrell; and sister, Shirley Nate. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Roy and the staff at the Dixie Dialysis Clinic, and to Applegate Home Care and Hospice personnel. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 30, 2007, 12 noon, Southgate LDS Chapel, 3381 Mulberry Dr., St. George, UT. Visitations will be held Tuesday, May 29, 6-8 p.m., Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd. and again Wednesday, 11-11:45 a.m. at the Southgate Chapel prior to services. A graveside services with full military honors and interment will be Thursday, May 31st, 1:30 p.m., Murray City Cemetery, 5490 South Vine, Murray, UT. A visitation will be held Thursday, 12 noon-1 p.m. at the Murray LDS 24th Ward in Three Fountains. Arrangements are under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary (435) 673-4221. Condolences may be sent to the family through the Metcalf website at www.metcalfmortuary.com