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Donald Jacobs Obituary
May 10, 1926 - November 8, 2011
Biloxi
Donald P. Jacobs, age 85, of Biloxi, entrepreneur of family tourism, passed away on November 8, 2011 in Gulfport.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry F. and Mary J. Jacobs; his good friend and associate, George E. Powers; and siblings and spouses, Richard E. Jacobs and his wife, Merle, Edwin Jacobs, Bernard Jacobs and his wife, Betty, Mary Ellen Clark and her husband, Joseph, Earl E. Jacobs and his wife, Norma, and John Paul Jacobs.
He is survived by two children for which he served as guardian, Marilyn and Jordan Kariean; Peter and Rose Rogers; their daughter, Rachael Hollingsworth and her husband Herschel; their three children, Kane, Lilli Rose, and Quade of Gulfport; Peter and Rose's son, Jeffrey Sanders and his wife, Jennifer, of Atlanta, GA; siblings, Francis J. Jacobs and his wife, Catherine, Sister Therese Jacobs BVM, Bernice Iliff and her husband, Stewart; and a sister in law, Marion Jacobs; nieces and nephews, Sister Carmel Jacobs, Terri DeSario, Jo Ellen McBride, Mark Clark, Bill Jacobs, Mary Ann Stark, Judy Richardson, Cici McFerrin, Kathi Cavanuagh, David Jacobs, Anne Johnson, Laura Nutter.
Don was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in World War II and was a graduate of Marquette University.
Instrumental in Gulf Coast tourism, he founded the Biloxi Shrimp Tour Train, and owned and operated the Deer Ranch, Six Gun Junction, the Eight Flags beach monument at the foot of Debuys Rd, all in Biloxi, Harbor Queen Boat Tour in Gulfport and Florida, Floridaland tourist attraction and Holiday Inns in Sarasota, FL, Deer Ranch at Panama City Beach, FL, Porpoise Island in the Smokey Mountains, Marine Animal Productions, which provided marine animals, vets, and trainers at major theme parks in New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Acapulco, and Toronto. He was the CEO of J & L Enterprises, owners of Marine Life Oceanarium in Jones Park, Gulfport.
At his home on Beach Blvd, he entertained heads of state including the President of Honduras, and Donald Trump, Burgess Meredith, and numerous national and state legislators.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 1:00 PM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Long Beach where friends and family will visit from Noon until 1:00 PM.
All family and friends are encourged to attend a reception in celebration of Don's extraordinary life at 4:30 PM on Saturday at Chimney's Restaurant on the beach in Gulfport.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, is in charge of arrangements. Tributes may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Jacobs
November 14, 2011
Rose, Peter, Jeff and Rachel We can all look back on some wonderful times and I know I can say I learned so much by working with Don, Marine Life and MAP. I can remember Rose saying "Get back to work" when I wondered into the gift shop to look around or get a soda. I still have some souvenirs from those days. The boat trips I will never forget. Now you have some wonderful memories to look back on and cherish. Peace be with you all and know I think of you often. Love to you all, Terri
anna quinlan
November 13, 2011
Dear Members of the Jacobs Family,
My prayers and sympathy are with you on the death of your loved one. He was a gracious and gifted man and certainly left this world better than he found it. Now he has the fullness of life with Jesus. I was Jordan Karien's sixth grade teacher and I have fond memories of Don. Plese know that I will remember you all in prayer.
Sr. Anna Quinlan
Nenagh Co.Tipperary
Ireland
Lisa Hover-Russell
November 11, 2011
Mr Jacobs,
You gave me my very first job working in the snack bar at Marine Life. I worked for you every summer and holiday for 6 years allowing me to help finance my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I loved every minute of my time at Marine Life. Such great memories. You were always very kind to me and I so enjoyed our discussions about theatre.
Rose, Peter, Rachael & Jeffery, I am so sorry for your loss. May God keep you and bless you.
Love,
Lisa Hover Russell
NANCY BELLANDE
November 11, 2011
I ENJOYED VERY MUCH WORKING FOR "MR.J" AT MARINE LIFE-MY SON SKYLAR AND I BOTH WORKED THERE. . I WAS SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING---MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
NANCY ARTHUR BELLANDE@ [email protected]
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Melinda Jones
November 11, 2011
We will miss you....
Sister Rita Murray
November 11, 2011
Dear Therese and Members of Don's Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time as you grieve Don's death. Don was a very kind and gentle man. I enjoyed many a happy get together with him and Therese during my years in Mississippi.
He is now happy in his eternal home with Jesus.
With much sympathy and love,
November 11, 2011
Hollingsworth Family
rachael hollingsworth
November 11, 2011
We love you Big Don!
Kane, Lilli Rose, & Quade
rachael hollingsworth
November 11, 2011
Uncle Don
You have and always will be a part of my life . I will always love you and I will keep you close to my heart. You will live forever in my heart. I love you Uncle Don.
Love you always
Rachael
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