David Wayne Jacobs

DAVID WAYNE JACOBS (1971-2022). Ask any who knew David Jacobs, from his closest family and friends to mere acquaintances, and they will describe him with the same phrase: servant leader. David Jacobs, a fifty-year-old resident of Cartersville, GA, unexpectedly passed away due to a cardiac episode on June 8, 2022. A beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, ministry leader, partner, co-worker, and neighbor, David came alongside each of us, loving and guiding, offering help and assistance, while showing compassion and grace.

On September 12, 1971, David Jacobs was born in Encino, California, to proud parents, Wayne and Genie Jacobs. As the first-born child, David blazed a trail for his sister, Tami, and brother, Brian. Family has always meant the world to David. He cherished his family, which also included grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Regular family camping trips instilled early in David a love for the great outdoors and traveling to new places.

In 1991, David made a bold move, leaving the Golden State and heading to the Loveliest Village on the Plains, Auburn University (War Eagle!) where he met his singular love, Jill Lollar. David and Jill committed their lives to each other in 1993, creating a marriage that exemplified for others how strong and true a union could be when God is invited into the relationship. David's boundless love for Jill included her family, parents, Charles & Janet Lollar; Jill's brother and sister-in-law, Lance & Tanya Lollar; and niece, Randi-Hope Lollar. God blessed David and Jill's love even more, growing their family with their sons, Colin and Cam Jacobs. David daily demonstrated what engaged parenting looked like, participating in his sons' activities and hobbies. He taught his sons to love the Lord, honor their mother, and give back to their community. Following in their father's footsteps, Colin and Cam share David's love of Auburn football, Braves baseball, disc golf, skateboarding and other adventure sports, and spicy food.

In 1996, David provided for his family by going to work for Professional Probation Services as a probation officer. He loyally served the company and was steadily promoted due to his strong work ethic and ability to lead others. For twenty-six years, David proved that true leadership comes with a servant's heart, willing to do whatever was needed, whether it was assembling office furniture, managing data, auditing caseloads, or ensuring state compliance. David's faithfulness ultimately resulted in his becoming a partner in owning the company.

Employees and co-workers weren't the only ones to realize that David Jacobs's word was his bond. David was committed to his church, Burnt Hickory Church of Christ. David firmly believed that people are the church, and he set out to show God's love to the community and the congregation by serving people however he could, teaching Bible classes, leading men's ministry events, and shepherding college students. David stood firm in his beliefs and could convict others, hold them accountable to God's word, and show them Jesus's love all at the same time. David lived every part of his life as an authentic servant of God, encouraging others to stay strong in their walk with Christ.

Known for his big hugs and broad smile, David's positive outlook quickly drew in others. His magnetic personality made us all feel as though we were each the most important person to him, and while we reveled in his laser-like focus and infectious laugh, we all knew we paled beside his devotion to his family. David prioritized time with his beloved wife, carving out time in his packed schedule for date nights and simple walks. Colin and Cam made David's eyes sparkle with delight and pride at their accomplishments and at the godly young men they are becoming. Beyond his own home, David's joy was contagious even in the most basic of chores, making him one of the first people we would call to help fix something. A self-taught DIY handyman, David cheerfully attacked projects like a master, happy to roll up his sleeves to help another, fluently speaking his own love language of acts of service.

David was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Jacobs. He is survived by his devoted wife Jill Jacobs and sons Colin (19) and Cam (14) Jacobs; mother, Genie Jones; sister and brother-in-law, Tami & Craig Coffey; brother and sister-in-law, Brian & Erin Jacobs, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bound for his eternal life in heaven, David left us in a startling suddenness that we are still trying to understand. We are shattered and devastated. In a world that needs more men like David Jacobs, we could easily drown in our grief, but we know that because of Jesus, there is joy even in the midst of heartache. We are thankful to God for the years He gifted us with such a servant leader who made each of us feel welcomed, respected, and encouraged. It is our prayer that David Jacobs's legacy of faith, family, hard work, and love will live on in us until we meet again.

We will be having a celebration of life service for David on Monday, June 27, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at Burnt Hickory Church of Christ (2330 Burnt Hickory Road, Marietta, GA 30064) with visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the church prior to the service. The service will also be live-streamed (https://bhcocga.sermon.net/BurntHickory/main/21056449). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of these charities that were near to David's heart: Christian Relief Fund (https://crf.com/give); Mission Upreach (https://missionupreach.org/online-giving/); or Auburn Christin Student Center (http://au4jesus.org/alumni/donations/).