Harold Jake G. Jacobs

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Harold G. Jacobs who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jake was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jake knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

His parents were George and Grace Jacobs. Jake was raised in Wakeeney, Kansas then moved to Gooding Idaho at age 14. Even as a youngster, Jake learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Jake was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Jake was raised with three siblings. He had three younger sisters - Martha, Edith, and Jane. Jake had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Jake, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Jake's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jake enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. He was a young men of Masonic Masons. In his spare time he liked Building model airplanes.

In school, Jake was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Jake was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Jake’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Gooding High School in Idaho in 1950. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Jake’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Jake’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Jake saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his degree at Idaho State University.

Jake was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Jake was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Jake came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, his best friends was Larry Fields. Later in life, he became friends with Pete and Rose Atchely.

An objective and conscientious individual, Jake reveled in the security of his family. On October 7, 2000 Jake exchanged wedding vows with Connie Jean Dozier at the A wedding chapel in Hesperia of Hesperia, California. One of Jake’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Jake was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Jake would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jake was blessed with one, Heather Theye.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jake was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Jake was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jake upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Electronics Technician. He was employed for 37 years as an Electrical Engineer in Civil Service. Jake was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Jake was an Air Force veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base from 1952-1956.

Jake approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gardening and building things. Jake was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Faith was important to Jake. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Oro Grande Community Church. During that time, he served as a Deacon.

Jake was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Jake’s favorites was Penny a Chihauhau dog. They were best friends for 10 1/2 years.

When Jake’s retirement finally arrived in 1998, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Victorville, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling and caring for his home. In many ways, Jake loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Jake fought a brave battle against Pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Connie, his daughter Heather Theye and 2 stepdaughters Terri and Janne, 2 stepsons, Michael and Dean and 3 sisters Martha, Edith and Jane. Services were held at Dimond & Sons Silver Bell Chapel. Jake was laid to rest in Southern Nevada's National Veterans Cemetery.

All who knew him would agree that Jake was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Harold G. Jacobs did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.