Timothy Curtis Jacobson

Timothy Curtis Jacobson, 75, peacefully departed this earth to meet his Lord and Savior on January 27, 2024, in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Eldest son of Curtis and Joy Jacobson, Timothy was born July 12, 1948, in Niagara Falls, New York. He graduated from the American School in The Hague in 1966, attending school there while his father served as a senior manager for DuPont in Dordrecht, Holland. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Colorado College and his Master of Arts and PhD in History as a Woodrow Wilson Scholar from Vanderbilt University and taught on the history faculty after graduation. In 1967, he met Katharine Barrett and they were married May 29, 1971, in Wilmette, Illinois. Son Christopher Jacobson was born in 1980 and daughter Anne followed in 1983. Throughout his life, every day orbited around his dearly loved and fiercely protected family. A gifted writer and speaker, Tim forged a career as an author, editor, and consultant for historic projects. He founded Chicago Times magazine in 1987, and served as editor of Chicago History. For the Bicentennial of the United States, Tim edited The States and the Nation, a 51-volume series published by W.W. Norton. Other historical projects included An Historical Guide to the United States (W.W. Norton), and Discovering America: Journeys in Search of the New World (Key Porter). After joining the Winthrop Group as a senior consultant, he developed expertise in areas ranging from energy, environmental services, medicine and healthcare to communications, legal and financial services, and education. He consulted for dozens of companies, working with CEOs, directors and senior managers. This work took him to the oil fields of the Middle East, and to high-level negotiations in China. His many books for Winthrop include Charity and Merit: Trinity School at 300; Cotton’s Renaissance: A Study in Market Innovation; Waste Management: An American Corporate Success Story; The Heritage of the South, Making Medical Doctors; and, three decades later, its sequel, Begin Again Now: The Path to Fixing Healthcare, co-authored with Dr. Harry Jacobson. In 1988, his book, An American Journey by Rail, was selected as runner-up for the Lowell Thomas Prize for best North American travel book. He loved to travel, preferably by train or boat, especially on ferries and ocean liners. Behind the wheel, he eschewed the interstate, preferring to discover small town diners and historic inns on the twisting country roads of Virginia. A life-long lover of American passenger train travel in the “Golden Age of Railroading” (1945–1970), Tim’s knowledge of the inner workings of railroad schedules, switching schemes, and passenger car interiors was boundless. Around the house, he often called family and friends to the table with “Dinner in the Diner” and “All aboard.” From the big railroads grew a love of model railroading—he and his father, and later Tim and his son Christopher, spent hours building layouts and riding the rails in HO scale (1:87). Their latest model railroad will be a center feature in the January 2025 issue of Model Railroader. Timothy was a man of his word, a man of words, and a man of the Word. His faith in God was unshakable and directed everything he said and did. A lover of beauty in all its forms––music from Johann Sebastian Bach to Cole Porter, art, food, his fellow man, and ultimately God––his unfeigned devotion was instantly felt by everyone around him. Tim was an enthusiastic host and a master of conviviality. His expertise in the kitchen made his family meals memorable and his skills were often in demand for special occasions around town. He and his wife Katharine made a formidable cooking team— but they also welcomed other cooks in the kitchen from time to time. Any occasion at which he was present—whether picnics, cookouts, or black-tie dinners—would be marked by dignity, flair, and effortless class. His was a rare but particularly warm kind of hospitality. Anchored by his faith and an abiding interest in others, he was a faithful friend and resolute advocate to all who knew him. His devotion to his wife and his pride in his children shone every time he spoke of them. The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Hall, the doctors and nurses of the University of Virginia Cancer Center, the UVA Intensive Care Unit, and Shenandoah House for their kindness and care during Tim’s course of treatment. Timothy’s funeral service will be held at Good Shepherd Anglican Church, 712 West Main Street, Waynesboro, Virginia on Friday, February 2nd at one o’clock in the afternoon. The burial service will follow at Thornrose Cemetery, 1041 West Beverley Street, Staunton, Virginia. Tim is survived by his wife Katharine, son Christopher and wife Mary Grey Jacobson, granddaughter Finley (4), daughter Anne and husband Josh Anderson, grandson Max (2), brother Peter and wife Joy Jacobson, and nephew Barrett Jacobson. He will be welcomed into heaven by his parents Curtis and Joy and nephew Charles Jacobson. Well done, good and faithful servant. May flights of angels receive thee into His holy arms. Requiescat in pace et lux perpetua luceat eis. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shenandoah Hospice House, c/o the Augusta Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939 or online by visiting https://www.augustahealth.com/foundation/give/ or the UVA Health Foundation, P.O. Box 37963, Boone, IA 50037, please add in the memo line of your check “benefitting The Thoracic Research Gifts Fund 21299” or online by visiting https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/20221/donations/new?a=4387039 designating the Thoracic Research Gifts Fund (21299). Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Staunton.