James Otto Jacobson

James Otto Jacobson was born in La Crosse, WI on October 8, 1949 to James and Betty (Valentine) Jacobson. He grew up hiking, fishing, ice skating and even had his own small boat at the age of six. He went all the way through Boy Scouts and was one of the youngest Eagle Scouts in the country. He graduated from Central H.S. in 1967 and the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in 1975.

Jim joined the U.S. Air Force after high school and served for thirteen years attaining the rank of Captain. He married Maureen (Breen) in 1971 and they were married for 46 years. He worked at Gateway Foods and later City Brewery as a safety & security manager.

Jim was a generous and loving family man. He loved family get-togethers and holidays. He had a funny magic act he would do especially for the nieces and nephews in Omaha. He loved to play golf and was very good at it, many times placing in tournaments in the area. He was a proud member at Cedar Creek. He also loved to travel and made many trips to Europe and within the U.S. Later in life he took up photography.

Jim was in an accident with his golf cart in 2013 and sustained a serious spinal cord injury. Less than a year later he was diagnosed with stage 4 thyroid cancer. He somehow managed to keep a positive attitude and his sense of humor. He often said it was better that it happened to him instead of someone else. We will miss Jim, and his magic.

Jim is survived by his wife Maureen, his two sons Bjorn and Kevin, two sisters Peggy Simmonds of San Diego, CA and Diane (Rob) Reinhart, nieces Heather (Stephen) Moyer and Courtney (Brian) McKeon, nephews Andrew (Lauren) and Austin Reinhart, a cousin Jay (Kelly) Adams along with great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father James Otto Jacobson, his mother Betty Jacobson, his grandmother Emelia Jacobson along with many aunts, uncles and other grandparents.

Our family is very grateful to everyone at the Tomah VA Hospice Unit for their help and their caring during Jim’s stay and especially on his final day. Also we will be eternally grateful to everyone at Gundersen Health System and Brightstar Cares for their kindness and caring for Jim.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 10 AM until 12 PM at the Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Military honors will follow outside of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Tomah VA, Gundersen Health System or the American Cancer Society.