James E. Jacobs, a combat veteran and financial services executive, a diehard New York Giants fan and expert solver of crossword puzzles, a wonderful husband, son and father, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, surrounded by his family. He was 61.
Jim was born January 25, 1951, raised in Verona, and graduated from Verona High School. Before attending Montclair State University, Jim served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged as a Specialist. In 1972, he was deployed to Vietnam, saw action, and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.
Among his fellow soldiers and friends, Jim was known for standing up – and, yes, sometimes fighting for – those smaller or less fortunate than he was. Jim was certainly a bruiser at times, tougher than most. And yet, few were more intelligent; no one possessed deeper empathy.
Jim was a self-taught guitarist, an aspiring poet, a fine writer. He never shrank from a fight – or a thoughtful discussion. He had both head and heart in spades. At weddings, Jim was fond of ending his toasts with, “Amor Vincit Omnia – Love Conquers All.” Well, Jim’s certainly did. In 1990, Jim married the love of his life, Kathi. Throughout their 22-year marriage – and in his final days – nothing brought Jim more happiness than talking about his two greatest accomplishments: his children, Dan and Katey.
Son of the late Frederick T. Jacobs, he is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Geiger) Jacobs; his son, Daniel; his daughter, Katherine; his mother, Mildred (Walsh) Jacobs; his siblings, Frederick T. Jacobs, Jr., Susan Rubinstein, William Jacobs, Barbara Wilhelm, Judith Hartop, Maureen Costa, and Brian Jacobs; his many brothers- and sisters-in-law; and his 24 nieces and nephews who miss him dearly.
Funeral service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Hillsborough Funeral Home, 796 Rt. 206, Hillsborough. Burial will follow in the Neshanic Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2600 US Hwy Rt. 1, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 or the Hillsborough Rescue Squad, PO Box 6777, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.
