The Rev. Jacob Jacobson, 82, of Libby

The Rev. Jacob Edwin Jacobson, 82, quietly slipped away at his Libby home on March 11, 2013, to be with the Lord who he passionately served.

Pastor was born July 27, 1930, in Mayger, Ore., to Jacob and Esther Jacobson.  

The eldest of six children, he attended schools in Clatskanie, Ore., where he graduated as valedictorian of his class at 16.

He graduated from Portland Secretarial School and subsequently worked for Inland Navigation, Co., as a shipping clerk in The Dalles, Ore. Later he worked for Kisky Food, Co., in Portland, Ore.

After a 10-year battle with alcohol addiction, Ed attended a New Year’s Eve service and committed his life to Christ. He was converted and instantly delivered from alcohol. He never had another drink.

He was called by God into the ministry at 25 and attended Northwest Bible College in Seattle where he met Sharon Butterfield. Ed and Sharon were married on June 7, 1958.

The Jacobsons began pastoring in Knappa, Ore. They later served as associate pastors in two Portland churches before pastoring in Swisshome, Ore.  From there, Pastor felt called to pioneer a church in Plymouth, Mass.  

The fellowship began in homes, and eventually, they purchased a building that was being constructed as a restaurant and bar. It was his joy to convert the building to become Pilgrim Assembly of God, dedicated to reaching those who also struggled with alcohol. The church grew and prospered and was fully self-supporting in three years.

Heeding the call to “go west, young man,” Pastor and Sharon and their six children arrived in Libby in 1973 and became pastors of Libby Assembly of God Church for the next 22 years.  

Pastor’s preaching was lively, dynamic, positive and often laced with humor.  He was a shepherd who truly loved and cared for his “sheep,” as well as the whole community, and was often referred to as “Libby’s pastor.”

Pastor Jacobson was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bill and Leroy.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon, whom he cherished; children, Joanna (Rod) Tempel, Rebekah (Tim) Schertel, Tim (Sandy), Sarah (Rick) Barrick, Mark, and Mary Faith (Rene) Hayashi.

Also surviving are grandchildren, Peter (Cassidi) Jacobson, Jessamyn Tempel, Heidi (Herb) Holcomb, Heather (Curt) Holcomb, Tim (Christina) Schertel, Jake, Bo and Samantha Jacobson, Cody and Jenna Barrick, and Taylor, Lindy, Ashley and Jewel Jacobson.  

Great-grandchildren are Caleb, Jasmine, Jade, Eleanor and Abigail Holcomb; Jessica, Jacquelyn, Austin, Richlyn and Dallas Holcomb; Wyatt Schertel and Layton Jacobson.

Other survivors include brothers, Don and Joel; and sister, Joyce Moss, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 23, 2013, at Libby Assembly of God, 101 Collins Ave., in Libby with a private committal to follow at Libby Cemetery.

A reception will be held at Wilkinson Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Africa’s Children in care of Sharon Jacobson at 720 Shaugnessy Road, Libby, Mont.,  59923.

Viewing will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 22, at the Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home, 422 W. 2nd Street in Libby.