Donald S. Jacobson, 72, of Madison, passed away with family by his side on Wednesday, November 29th in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Born September 9, 1951, in Syracuse, New York, to Donald and Joan (Gundersen) Jacobson, he graduated from the University of Buffalo with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1974, eventually earning his MBA at Lake Erie College. His illustrious career took him to Washington, DC, and Vicksburg, Mississippi, until he finally settled down in Madison, Ohio. After working for First Energy at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant for over 30 years, he joyously retired to pursue his life’s true passions: Legos, model trains, stamp collecting, and rooting for sports teams that most sensible people dislike (New York Yankees, New York Giants, and Manchester City FC).

Don would want us to make sure we included that he generously volunteered with various organizations throughout his life, including many years with the Madison Soccer League where he made great friends and his children (and grandchildren) developed their love of soccer. Most recently, he volunteered as the treasurer for Valor Retreat and on the counting team at Open Table Friends Church.

Don loved storytelling, sarcasm, puns (especially the bad ones), raising and guiding his wayward children, and loving his grandchildren with abandon. Always happy to help with a repair or renovation project, he was incredibly handy. He and Kim spent several years renovating a house nearly completely on their own, which they almost immediately moved out of. Church was a large part of Don’s life, but he learned to hold his beliefs with an open hand, considering new points of view about faith. He was a lifelong student and rarely passed up an opportunity to learn.

Most importantly, Don carried deep love and support for his family. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years Kim, his children Liz (Keith) Brainard of Madison and Paul (Kristen) Jacobson of Novato, California, and his beloved grandsons, John Dema, Donovan, and Sidney. His grandchildren were the very best parts of his life (that and his craft beer, he once said) and he will be missed immensely at the sidelines of their soccer, basketball, and baseball games where he would cheer enthusiastically for them while also occasionally offering his (loud) opinions of the officiating. His brother, Jim (Ann) Jacobson and sister, Anne Meek, and many other family members will miss him dearly. His absence will also be felt at Wednesday night coffee, even though he was never a coffee drinker.

Calling hours will be held Friday, December 8th, from 2-4 pm at Perry First Baptist at 3918 Main Street in Perry, Ohio, with a Celebration of Life service directly following at 4 pm. Pastor Mark Winner will officiate the service. Please dress casually for the occasion as Don was never one for a suit or tie; he was a man who valued comfort (we are serious, jeans or casual dress please). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Open Table Friends Church at PO Box 161, Madison, OH 44057 or at opentablefriends.org.

Behm Family Funeral Home of Madison is assisting the family at this time.
Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com